Time Or Program Actuator Patents (Class 62/157)
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Patent number: 8656728Abstract: An assembly for filtering water includes a housing and a water inlet for supplying unfiltered water to the housing. A water filter includes an outer casing attached to the housing in communication with the water inlet and a filter medium within the outer casing. The outer casing has at least one portion that is at least partially translucent. The water filter filters the unfiltered water through filter medium to provide filtered water. A water outlet is attached to the housing for transferring filtered water from the outer casing to a device via the housing. An illumination device is mounted adjacent to the outer casing for selectively illuminating the portion of the outer casing that is at least partially translucent. Related refrigeration appliances incorporating such devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Alan Joseph Mitchell
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Patent number: 8616013Abstract: A method of determining a amount of ice collected in a storage container of a refrigerator, the ice being discharged into the storage container by an ice maker having an ice detecting sensor with a heater, the method comprises determining whether or not the ice storage container is full or nearly full of ice by turning on the detecting sensor for a prescribed period of time. In one embodiment, the heater is turned on while the determining step is preformed. In an alternative embodiment, the heater is continuously maintained in an “ON” state.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yong-Su Kim, Dong-Hoon Lee, Kyung-Han Jeong, Kwang-Ha Suh
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Patent number: 8596078Abstract: An active air cleaning controller is connected to a forced air heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The active air cleaning controller uses call signals from a thermostat to the HVAC system and/or sensor signals to determine when, and for how long, the blower of the HVAC system has been active and whether to independently activate the blower. The active air cleaning controller uses at least the collected information regarding the blower run time to determine when to activate the blower, in addition to its use within the HVAC system, to cycle and thus clean the air in a living environment independently of call signals used to activate heating and/or cooling functions of the HVAC system.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Research Products CorporationInventors: Stephen Williams, Marwan E. Estiban, Jameson P. Gavin
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Patent number: 8567206Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes a controller that initially controls operation of a compressor to switch between inactive and active states in response to detecting that an operating condition is equal to or surpasses a first operation threshold. The controller determines a first time delay occurring between initiating the switch from one of the inactive and active states to the other of the compressor, and an actual change in the operating condition. The controller subsequently defines a first limit that is offset from the first operation threshold such that the controller controls the operation of the compressor to subsequently switch from the one of inactive and active states to the other in response to detecting that the operating condition is equal to or surpasses the first limit.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Nissan North America, Ic.Inventor: Ronald S. Eisenhour
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Patent number: 8549866Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: airinotec GmbHInventor: Stefan Hummrich
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Patent number: 8554375Abstract: The invention is related to a method and an apparatus for controlling a ventilating system or an air conditioning system of buildings. This controlling is used predominantly in industrial real estates and serves for the establishment and maintenance of the desired room conditions. The method for controlling a ventilating system or an air conditioning system according to the invention uses the air density as the essential parameter for the controlling. The air density depends on the temperature, the air humidity and the air pressure. The air density difference between the introduced air and the room air is kept small.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: delta green box Patent GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Helmut Nerling
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Patent number: 8532835Abstract: A system and method for determining a climate energy index, comprising: identifying a geographic location; identifying comfort zone criteria; determining a characteristic energy potential associated with the geographic location and the comfort zone criteria, and determining a climate energy index associated with delivered energy based on the characteristic energy potential for the geographic location.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Integrated Environmental Solutions, Ltd.Inventor: Donald John McLean
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Patent number: 8521356Abstract: A management system for vehicle air-conditioning and a method of managing the same are provided. Changes of a temperature in a vehicle from various environmental information, between a standard for showing a comfortable environment in the vehicle and actual environment information, are recognized to identify abnormalities occurring in components at an early stage and to appropriately judge the necessity and urgency of maintenance. A management system of vehicle air-conditioning includes an air-conditioning controller that predicts abnormalities of components of the refrigeration cycle by comparing a temperature in the vehicle obtained when the refrigeration cycle is actually driven with a preset temperature in the vehicle that constitutes a standard.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Taichi Uto
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Publication number: 20130186119Abstract: A control system controls adaptively an operation of a vapor compression system. The control system includes a memory for storing a mapping relationship between control inputs of the vapor compression system, and a processor for executing a supervisory controller and an optimization controller. The supervisory controller controls the operation of the vapor compression system using a set of control inputs selected according to the mapping relationship. The optimization controller modifies the mapping relationship in response to the operation of the vapor compression system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventors: Dan J. Burns, Christopher Laughman
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Publication number: 20130167564Abstract: A system and method of controlling a multiple condenser air conditioning system that provides for efficient regulation of air temperature. The refrigeration system includes one or more valves whose operation is preferably controlled by programmable control logic to regulate flow through the refrigerant condenser(s) and sequentially control compressor discharge pressure and temperature in response to demands for heating or reheating of a supply air flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Desert Aire Corp.Inventors: Craig Michael Burg, Harold Mark Sindelar
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Patent number: 8474279Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the refrigerator in one of plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively schedule, delay, adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator in the energy savings mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John K. Besore, Richard DeVos, Jeff Donald Drake, Michael F. Finch, Ronald Gary Foster, Darin Franks, William Newton, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson, Timothy Dale Worthington
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Patent number: 8474727Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling the air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include an air-conditioning device having a variety of components that provide air-conditioning of an indoor space, an input device that receives signals to manipulate the air-conditioning device and signals to select a sleep mode, and a controller that, when the input device receives a signal to select the sleep mode, controls the air-conditioning device to perform a rapid eye movement sleep operation at least one time to air-condition the indoor space at a temperature higher than a temperature that is set in accordance with the sleep mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ju Youn Lee, Baik Young Chung, Jae Dong Jang
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Patent number: 8464544Abstract: A refrigerator capable of supercooling a target object and a control method thereof are provided. The refrigerator includes a temperature sensor which senses a temperature of the target object in the cooling compartment, wherein the temperature sensor is prevented from being in contact with ambient cool air and is installed on a bottom surface on which the target object is placed so as to sense only the temperature of the target object. Further, the control method includes sensing a temperature of the target object at each interval of a specified time ?t, calculating a difference between two temperatures sensed at specified time intervals, and comparing the difference between two temperatures with a predetermined reference value ?Tc to determine the supercooled state of the target object.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young Shik Shin, Jeong Han Kim
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Patent number: 8453472Abstract: Rapid chilling apparatus for beverages including a receptacle (2) accommodating beverage containers (3) of differing length, and cooling structure cooling said receptacle (2), wherein said receptacle (2) includes a plurality of electrodes (4), an inner surface (5) supporting a container (3) such that the electrodes (4) turn out as being distributed along the whole length of the container (3), the electrodes (4) being connected to circuit structure (6) detecting and measuring the capacitance value on each electrode (4) due to the presence of a container (3) made of a conductive or non-conductive material in proximity of the same electrode (4) so as to determine the actual length of the container (3), control structure (7) operating said cooling structure in response to the capacitance values detected by said circuit structure (6) for a period of time, the duration depending on the so determined length of the container (3).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Girish Pimputkar, Andrei Uhov, Roberto Giordano
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Patent number: 8434315Abstract: A compressor drive torque estimating device to be adapted for a system provided with a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated by a compressor driven by a drive source mounted in a vehicle, comprising heat load detecting means for detecting a heat load of the refrigeration cycle, a storage unit storing a plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics establishing correlation between a drive torque change characteristic of the compressor and an elapsed time from a time of start of operation of the compressor, an estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means for selecting the one of the plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics stored in the storage unit based on detected values detected by the heat load detecting means, and an estimated drive torque calculating means for calculating an estimated drive torque of the compressor based on the estimated drive torque characteristic selected by the estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshikatsu Sawada, Yasutane Hijikata
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Patent number: 8434316Abstract: A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 answers YES by judging that the command to start a compressor 2 is issued when an air-conditioning switch is turned on in step S100. After that, the electronic control unit 14 answers NO in the case where a timer count time Tc is shorter than a predetermined time T1 in step S120. At the same time, Tefin_C is set to 15° C. in step S130. The lower one of Tefin_C and Tefin determined in this way is determined as Tefin_d (step S150). After that, Tefin_d is input to the first-order lag function to acquire Tefin_AD(N). Then, the control proceeds to step S170, where the estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 is determined using Tefin_AD(N) and Gr.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshikatsu Sawada, Yasutane Hijikata
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Patent number: 8424322Abstract: An air conditioner that can present information on a predicted value of stored energy usage per unit time, a predicted value of the electricity charge per unit time, and a predicted value of the amount of CO2 emission per unit time, at the start of operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Tatsuo Seki
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Patent number: 8413453Abstract: An auxiliary control device is adapted to an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system includes a main machine and several vents. The auxiliary control device includes a vent unit and a sub-control unit. The vent unit has valves corresponding disposed on the vents, and a driver for actuating the valve to adjust an opening size of the vent through the valve. The sub-control unit includes a sub-memory for storing a control time table, a sub-timer for generating the time information, and a sub-controller for controlling the driver to adjust the opening size according to the control time table and the time information. Accordingly, the auxiliary control device is easily adapted to an air conditioning system existing in a user place and controls opening size of the vents in accordance with the control time table previously set by the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventors: Ssu-Pin Ma, Ravi Aripirala
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Publication number: 20130067944Abstract: An operation control apparatus of air-conditioning apparatus having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, includes a controller programmed to execute energy conservation control of the air conditioning apparatus. The controller includes at least one required temperature calculation part calculating a required evaporation temperature or a required condensation temperature based on either a current amount, of heat exchanged in a usage-side heat exchanger of the indoor unit and a greater amount of heat exchanged in the usage-side heat exchanger than the current amount, or an operating state amount that yields the current amount of heat exchanged in the usage-side heat exchanger and an operating state amount that yields the greater amount of heat exchanged in the usage-side heat exchanger than the current amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kousuke Kibo, Kazuhiko Tani, Masahiro Oka, Shinichi Kasahara, Yasuyuki Aisaka, Shingo Ohnishi
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Patent number: 8375734Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided with an ice maker chamber within a fresh food compartment. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration path and an ice maker path. The ice maker path includes an electronic expansion valve for controlling the refrigerant entering an ice maker evaporator and an evaporator pressure regulator. Controlling the refrigeration system includes the steps of sensing a first refrigerant temperature at an exit of the ice maker evaporator and controlling a first control of the electronic expansion valve until the temperature reaches a temperature target. The method of controlling can further include comparing a slope of the temperature to at least one of a minimum, a target, or a maximum setting to adjust the control. Subsequently, a second control for the electronic expansion valve can be repeatedly adjusted by evaluating the first refrigerant temperature and the slope.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: David L. Hall, James Scoville
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Patent number: 8353172Abstract: There is provided a control device of a permanent-magnet type synchronous motor that sets a synchronous operation current at start-up in response to a current limiting value determined from the temperature of an inverter that supplies three-phase power to the permanent-magnet type synchronous motor, that monitors an output voltage or an output current of the inverter during a rotation stabilizing period after start-up, and that updates the synchronous operation current using this output voltage or output current.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Hattori, Masahiko Asai, Takayuki Takashige, Koji Nakano, Takashi Nakagami
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Patent number: 8341971Abstract: An air conditioning control device for a vehicle has an air conditioner for conditioning air in a vehicle interior, an input receiving unit for receiving inputs of both planned departure time of the vehicle and a target temperature in the vehicle interior, a pre-air-conditioning control unit for starting operation of the air conditioner at an air conditioning start time before the planned departure time so that the temperature in the vehicle interior at the planned departure time becomes the target temperature, and an outdoor air temperature acquisition unit for acquiring outdoor air temperature. The pre-air-conditioning control unit changes the air conditioning operation start time based on the outdoor air temperature acquired by the outdoor air temperature acquisition unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hichirosai Oyobe, Yoshinori Fujitake
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Publication number: 20120324931Abstract: The invention described herein enables a variety of heating, cooling, energy transformation, and energy storage options with a small number or components. Described are Pressure Swing Adsorption and Pressure Swing Desorption cycles, processes, and apparatuses including multiple sorption beds and active energy input by a pump and energy storage as pressure differentials. A preferred embodiment includes two zeolite 13X sorption beds, CO2 adsorbate, solenoid valves, and a compressor pump. In operation these components provide a range of heating, cooling, and energy storage options. Operational cycles are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Ray M. Alden, James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner
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Publication number: 20120324932Abstract: To provide an air-conditioning apparatus that reduces large refrigerant noise generated when changing an operation mode. In an air-conditioning apparatus, when switching to a second operation mode from a first operation mode, switching to the second operation mode is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed after controlling either or all of expansion devices, controlling either or all of second flow switching devices, and controlling either or all of a first on-off device and a second on-off device such that a pressure difference of a heat source side refrigerant before and after each of the expansion devices is smaller compared to that in an operation state of the first operation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Morimoto, Koji Yamashita, Yuji Motomura
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Publication number: 20120304676Abstract: An ice making assembly for a refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker having a mold body defining a plurality of compartments for forming ice cubes therein, a heating element for heating the ice cubes to create a melted portion to assist in removal of the ice cubes from the compartment, and a harvesting assembly including a plurality of elements attached to a rotatable rod. Each element is movable via rotation of the rod through a respective one of the compartments to remove an ice cube from the compartment. Rotation of the rod stopping for a period of time at a stop position in which a removed ice cube can rest atop the harvesting assembly to refreeze the melted portion. Related refrigeration appliances are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Lorina June White, Alan Joseph Mitchell, Jeffrey Michael Colyer, Joseph Michael Hauser
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Patent number: 8316926Abstract: An arrangement for use in connection with an air handling unit includes a controller and a processing circuit. The controller is configured to control a device within an air handler unit, which includes at least a first coil. The processing circuit is configured to receive first information representative of a maximum liquid flow rate through the first coil and second information representative of a maximum air flow rate of the first coil. The processing circuit is further configured to generate a time constant estimate, based on the first information and second information, for use in the controller in performing control of the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: General Cybernation Group Inc.Inventors: George Shu-Xing Cheng, Osman Ahmed, William Thomas Pienta
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Publication number: 20120285186Abstract: A heat pump system includes a heat source unit, a usage-side unit, and a usage-side controller. The heat source unit has a heat source-side compressor for compressing a heat source-side refrigerant, and a heat source-side heat exchanger capable of functioning as an evaporator of the heat source-side refrigerant. The usage-side unit is connected to the heat source unit and has a capacity-variable-type usage-side compressor for compressing a usage-side refrigerant, a usage-side heat exchanger capable of functioning as a radiator of the heat source-side refrigerant and functioning as an evaporator of the usage-side refrigerant, and a refrigerant-water heat exchanger capable of functioning as a radiator of the usage-side refrigerant and heating an aqueous medium. The usage-side controller performs usage-side capacity variation control for incrementally varying the operating capacity of the usage-side compressor during a usual operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2009Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicants: DAIKIN EUROPE N.V., DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Masahiro Honda
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Patent number: 8280556Abstract: An HVAC system for conditioning air of an associated room includes one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the HVAC system in one of a plurality or operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the HVAC system in the energy savings mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John K. Besore, Michael F. Finch, Timothy Dale Worthington, Daniel Ryan Capelle
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Patent number: 8261566Abstract: Method for chilling foodstuffs contained in a chilling compartment at controllable temperature, and adapted to perform according to an operating procedure that includes continuously pulling down a temperature inside the foodstuff to be chilled, until a pre-set value (Tf) is eventually reached, provided that the temperature inside the chilling compartment is lower than a pre-set value, and the temperature at the core of the foodstuff is lower than a pre-set value. In addition, before the process is allowed to move on to a final temperature pull-down step, further conditions are defined to ensure that the temperature pull-down pattern and rate inside the foodstuff are complying with the requirements set forth by applicable standards.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Electrolux Professional SpAInventors: Riccardo Furlanetto, Daniele Mari, Fabio Sinatra
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Patent number: 8250872Abstract: A refrigerating driving control section controls the driving of the refrigerating apparatus. A control constant storage section stores data in which information indicating the object to be refrigerated by the refrigerating apparatus and control constants that the refrigerating driving control section adopts for the object are associated together. An operation of operation section specifies the object. From the control constant storage section, the refrigerating driving control section reads the control constants corresponding to the object specified by the operation section, and the driving of the refrigerating apparatus is controlled on the basis of the read control constants.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hisaaki Takaoka, Susumu Matsui, Kiichirou Satou, Shuuhei Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20120192575Abstract: A controller continues to operate an ice making machine in a safe mode when a failure of a component is detected. While in the safe mode due to failure of an ice thickness probe, the freeze cycle freeze time is based on an average freeze time of a predetermined number of the most previous freeze cycles prior to the failure. While in the safe mode due to failure of a water level probe, the water valve on time is based on an average water valve on time of a predetermined number of the most previous freeze cycles prior to the failure. If the failure is uncured after a predetermined time, the controller causes the ice making machine to enter a standby mode or disables the ice making machine from making ice.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Ramesh B. Tirumala, William Roy York, JR., Lee Gerard Mueller, Raymond R. Haack, Daryl G. Erbs
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Publication number: 20120191253Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system is includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by one or more VFD controller, which are configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select from a plurality of power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and time so as to maximize the economic efficiency of operating the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: ROCKY RESEARCHInventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Paul Sarkisian, Kaveh Khalili, Warren Harhay
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Publication number: 20120174604Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigeration system with a closed circuit for circulating a refrigerant wherein the closed circuit has a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a condenser for receiving and condensing at least part of the compressed refrigerant, an evaporator for receiving and evaporating the condensed refrigerant, and a return conduit for returning the refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor. The evaporator has several evaporator sections with corresponding conduits that may be individually controlled so as to obtain individual refrigeration effects of corresponding individual evaporator sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Ole Thøgersen, Allan Dyrmose
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Publication number: 20120159968Abstract: A temperature and humidity controlled housing for storing and preserving wine bottles. The housing defines a storage compartment having front and rear temperature control chambers and wherein the rear chamber is also humidity controlled. A division wall having passages provided with a flexible sealing component receives bottles on supports associated with each of the passages and a cubic chamber structure in the rear chamber. The bottle necks engage the seals which, together with the division wall, substantially seal the front chamber from the rear chamber while the spout end portion of the wine bottles is supported in the rear humidified chamber. The housing may be used in a modular assembly. The method of use is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Guy Doucet, Laurent Senee
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Patent number: 8209058Abstract: According to a controller for a cooling system, when an optimum value of a low-pressure side pressure set value corresponding to an operation environmental condition to be generated is registered in a data base 15, the optimum value of the low-pressure side pressure set value is used. In a case where the optimum value of the low-pressure side pressure set value is not registered in the data base 15, when an optimum value of a low-pressure side pressure set value Ps corresponding to an operation environmental condition adjacent to the operation environmental condition to be generated is registered, the optimum value of the low-pressure side pressure set value Ps is used.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kawaai, Masaru Koshiba
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Publication number: 20120151948Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a compressor 2, a radiator 3, a positive displacement fluid machine 4, an evaporator 7, an injection flow passage 10f and a controller 102. The positive displacement fluid machine 4 performs a step of drawing a refrigerant, a step of expanding and overexpanding the drawn refrigerant, a step of supplying, through an injection port 30, the refrigerant to a working chamber so as to mix the supplied refrigerant with the overexpanded refrigerant, a step of recompressing the mixed refrigerant by using power recovered from the refrigerant, and a step of discharging the recompressed refrigerant. The controller 102 executes an activation control for allowing a pressure in the injection flow passage 10f to be a pressure equal to an outlet pressure of the compressor 2 at time of activation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Takeshi Ogata, Hiroshi Hasegawa
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Publication number: 20120151946Abstract: A method and a device for heat recovery on a vapour compression refrigeration system allowing to produce hot water, includes at least a first piping closed refrigerating circuit in which a refrigerant fluid circulates, a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion valve, a condenser and/or a heat recovery unit including a water inlet and a water outlet respectively connected to a second piping circuit comprising a circulating pump. At least one physical unit of the refrigerant fluid and/or water of the second piping circuit is determined. When the physical unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, condensing temperature is increased, and when said physical unit is greater than said predetermined threshold, condensing temperature is decreased to a minimum value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: ECOLACTISInventor: Laurent Decaestecker
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Publication number: 20120144852Abstract: When a compressor is in a stopped state and an outside air temperature change rate Tah exceeds zero, a first heating operation is started, and a heating capacity of a compressor heating portion is set in a range not more than a heating capacity upper limit Pmax based on the outside air temperature change rate Tah. A remaining refrigerant liquid amount Ms condensed in the compressor that had not been evaporated is acquired based on the outside air temperature change rate Tah and the heating capacity. If the outside air temperature change rate Tah is zero or below and the remaining refrigerant liquid amount Ms exceeds zero while the compressor is in a stopped state, a second heating operation is started, the compressor heating portion 10 is controlled based on the remaining refrigerant liquid amount Ms, and the refrigerant condensed in the compressor 1 is evaporated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Naoki WAKUTA, Yohei Kato, Shinya Matsushita, Takanori Omori, Hirokuni Shiba
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Patent number: 8185246Abstract: Sensing, actuation of apparatus, and a control algorithm for use in automatically controlling an air-conditioning system by sensing multiple conditions and responding by actuating the mechanical components of the air-conditioning system to optimize the temperature of the coolant fluid, provide improved zone temperature control, provide status of system components, and provide an alert if there is overheating of a supply side system mechanical component.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Olivier Josserand, Eric Royet, Patrick Renault, Richard Kolk
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Publication number: 20120117995Abstract: An energy saving device, a heating/cooling system and a method for controlling a heating/cooling system control the on/off state of an apparatus which is used for heating or cooling a working medium. A timer (24) has an adjustable timer value and provides a signal for controlling the on/off state of the apparatus. A temperature sensor (21) measures temperature of the working medium. A controller (20) adjusts the adjustable timer value in response to changes in temperature of the working medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventor: Kevin D. M. Moore
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Publication number: 20120111042Abstract: In a heat pump apparatus, it is aimed to enhance efficiency of a defrost operation by reducing a loss of heat radiation during the defrost operation and reducing a compressor input during the defrost operation. The heat pump apparatus includes a main refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, and a second heat exchanger are connected sequentially, and also includes a bypass circuit including an on-off valve and providing a connection by bypassing the expansion mechanism. The main refrigerant circuit includes a four-way valve that switches between a heating operation and the defrost operation by switching an order in which the refrigerant circulates through the main refrigerant circuit. The main refrigerant circuit also includes a first temperature detection unit and a second temperature detection unit. Based on values detected by these temperature detection units, a degree of superheat of the first heat exchanger during the defrost operation is computed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Mamoru Hamada, Fumitake Unezaki, Yoshihiro Takahashi, Kengo Takahashi, Kazuki Okada, Hirokazu Minamisako, Shinichi Uchino
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Publication number: 20120096883Abstract: This invention is about a climate simulation system (10) which provides with minimum energy consumption, the growth under preferred climate conditions and monitoring of living species such as plant, bacteria and insects in research laboratories, which minimizes the temperature fluctuation within the air-conditioning chamber and which provides the cooling of air-conditioning chamber (20) by use of cold accumulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventor: Hamdi Tavsan
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Patent number: 8151581Abstract: Systems and methods to control an engine configured to drive a compressor of a vehicle air conditioning system having a desired temperature are provided. A time until a threshold is reached is determined based on an environment condition and a vehicle interior condition. A request for the engine to run is removed if the time is greater than a minimum time.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Elaine Y. Chen, William Treharne, Wayne Buescher, Thomas Fox, Shailesh Kozarekar
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Patent number: 8151583Abstract: A vapor compression air conditioning system includes a motor operated expansion valve and control unit including sensors for determining the amount of superheat of the working fluid at or adjacent to the compressor inlet. Expansion valve position is adjusted to maintain a predetermined amount of superheat. The sensors may sense working fluid evaporator temperature and temperature downstream of the evaporator. Dual motor operated expansion valves may be disposed in the working fluid conduit between the heat exchangers in a reversible system. In operation, the expansion valve position may be set as a function of ambient temperature, a previous position, and predetermined superheat requirements to minimize liquid ingestion by the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventor: Jonathan David Douglas
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Patent number: 8146376Abstract: An active air cleaning controller is connected to a forced air heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The active air cleaning controller uses call signals from a thermostat to the HVAC system and/or sensor signals to determine when, and for how long, the blower of the HVAC system has been active and whether to independently activate the blower. The active air cleaning controller uses at least the collected information regarding the blower run time to determine when to activate the blower, in addition to its use within the HVAC system, to cycle and thus clean the air in a living environment independently of call signals used to activate heating and/or cooling functions of the HVAC system.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Research Products CorporationInventors: Stephen Williams, Marwan E. Estiban, Jameson P. Gavin
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Patent number: 8146833Abstract: A method to control the sleep operation of an air conditioner is provided. The method includes determining whether or not a sleep operation is activated and sequentially performing a plurality of sub-modes of the sleep operation when the sleep operation is activated.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Myung Seob Song, Hyung Chel Kim, Kook Jeong Seo, Seung Chul Shin, Yong Gak Kim
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Publication number: 20120042664Abstract: In a control method of a refrigerator having a storage chamber for aging of meat, an operation to keep the storage chamber at an aging temperature and an operation to cool the storage chamber to a cooling temperature lower than the aging temperature are repeated. This enables optimal aging of meat via an aging time and aging temperature suitable for meat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Ji Young Lee, Joo Young Ha, Mi Sun Park
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Publication number: 20120042672Abstract: An air conditioner control apparatus capable of suppressing electric power consumed by an air conditioner which is for cooling the interior of a room, as well as a cooling system and an air conditioner control program, are provided. An air conditioner control apparatus 13 according to a first embodiment makes control to carry out a dehumidifying operation for removing moisture present in the interior of a room prior to execution of a cooling operation for cooling the interior of the room in which an indoor unit 11 is installed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Tadato Fujihara, Keiko Watanabe, Toshiaki Okuma, Yoshio Ozawa
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Patent number: 8118237Abstract: A vehicle includes a power connector configured to mate with an electrical power grid receptacle and receive a grid power therefrom and a heating and cooling system electrically connected to the power connector to receive grid power therefrom and configured to modify a temperature the vehicle cabin. The vehicle also includes a temperature control loop configured to selectively activate and control the heating and cooling system and a controller configured to receive a first input signal comprising a desired vehicle activation time and a second input signal comprising a starting vehicle cabin temperature and a desired vehicle cabin temperature. The controller determines a temperature control loop activation time based on the first and second input signals that is prior to the desired vehicle activation time and transmits an activation signal to the temperature control loop at the temperature control loop activation time to activate the heating and cooling system.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Parag Vyas, Oliver Mayer, Marko Klaus Baller, Jan Hemmelmann, Robert Roesner, Michal-Wolfgang Waszak, Manon Engelmann, Alexander Felix Fiseni, Stefan Schroeder, Yaru Mendez Hernandez, Mark R. Lynass, Joerg Stromberger
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Patent number: 8109446Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a cell that is used for the rapid cooling of a cooked product. The method includes the steps of taking a period measurement of an internal temperature of the product to be cooled and of the temperature of the ambient air in a chamber; and using the temperature measurements to determine a set value for the temperature of the ambient air inside the chamber. The set temperature value for the ambient air in the chamber is used to control the cold production element until the end of the cooling cycle in order to obtain an internal temperature at the end of the cycle that is less than a pre-determined end internal temperature using a cycle length of less than or equal to a pre-determined maximum cycle length. The invention is suitable for commercial and institutional catering and for the agri-food industry.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: FriginoxInventor: Rafael Venancio