Diverse, Cascade Or Compound Refrigeration-producing System Patents (Class 62/175)
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Patent number: 6293119Abstract: A self-contained air conditioner cools a building's air using a water-cooled economizer coil and two refrigerant evaporators. The two evaporators are provided by two separate refrigeration circuits, each having its own water-cooled condenser. A water circuit interconnecting the economizer and the two condensers is reconfigureable to selectively operate the air conditioner in a normal mode or, if conditions permit, in an energy-saving economizer mode. In the normal mode, the water circuit conveys cooling water in series through both condensers while bypassing the economizer coil. In the economizer mode, the water flows in series through the economizer and one of the condensers while bypassing the other. The refrigerant circuit whose condenser is bypassed can thus be deactivated to save energy. The economizer coil and the condenser it bypasses have generally the same flow resistance to water flow.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: American Standard International Inc.Inventor: Glenn E. Wenzel
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Patent number: 6290141Abstract: The communication module for a multi-air conditioner system, which has a plurality of indoor units and one outdoor unit for controlling the indoor units, includes a power circuit in each of the indoor units and outdoor unit. The power circuit is connected to a non-polarized two-wire power line to supply a drive power to a corresponding one of the indoor units and outdoor unit. A transmitter/receiver circuit is also included in each of the indoor units and outdoor unit, and is connected to the power line to convert information to be transmitted into a pulse form, which carries the converted result in an alternating current voltage to transmit the information through the power line and receive information from the power line. A microcomputer included in each of the indoor units and outdoor unit controls an associated system operation according to the information from the power line received by the transmitter/receiver circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jun Hyoung Park, Si Pung Seong
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Patent number: 6254365Abstract: A compressor capable of reducing the number of components and simplifying a step of forming a connection hole is obtained. In this compressor, a connection hole of a casing is formed substantially flush with the outer surface of the casing without projecting from the outer surface of the casing. Thus, the connection hole is formed by only perforation with no requirement for burring or the like, whereby the step of forming the connection hole is simplified. In this compressor, a refrigerant flow pipe of an accumulator is inserted into a refrigerant suction port. Thus, no pump liner (connection pipe) is required for connecting the refrigerant flow pipe and the refrigerant suction port, and the number of components is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigeo Nakanishi
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Patent number: 6247899Abstract: A hybrid compressor that is selectively driven by an engine and a motor. A compression mechanism includes a drive shaft. A clutch is attached to the front of the compression mechanism, and the motor is attached to the rear of the compression mechanism. The motor has an output shaft connected to the drive shaft. The clutch selectively transmits power from the engine to the drive shaft. This structure makes the hybrid compressor compact and reduces the imbalance of the load applied to its drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Takashi Ban, Toshiro Fujii, Yoshiyuki Nakane
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Publication number: 20010001924Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control system in a simple constitution as well as be capable of strictly controlling the temperature on the side of the process device of the fluid supplied via the pathway from the chiller device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: May 31, 2001Inventor: Masato Maehashi
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Patent number: 6233954Abstract: A fluid compression system includes a plurality of compressors, each compressor having a local controller for controlling operation thereof and a sensor for sensing the pressure of compressed fluid discharged therefrom. A method for controlling operation of the fluid compression system includes establishing a set point pressure threshold for loading and unloading each compressor, and assigning a ranking to each compressor for identifying a highest ranked compressor and a lowest ranked compressor, whereby the highest ranked compressor for the compression system initiates all commands for controlling all of the lower ranked compressors in the compression system.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventors: James D. Mehaffey, Marty L. Connell
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Patent number: 6230979Abstract: A controller for a two-stage heat source that can be used with a single stage or a two stage thermostat. The controller includes a second stage delay timer that initiates second stage heating when the timer is decremented to zero. The timer is reset when there is no longer a call for first stage heat, when there is a call for second stage heat, or if there is no call for second stage heat and the controller determines that it is connected to a two-stage thermostat. The controller can include an indicator such as a contact bar and jumper or a switch for indicating the type of thermostat connected to the controller. Alternatively, the controller can be programmed to “learn” whether it is attached to a single stage or two-stage thermostat, assuming that it is connected to a single stage thermostat, unless and until a call for second stage heating is received.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Stephen J. Vendt, William P. Butler, David M. Cenedella
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Patent number: 6216479Abstract: A programmable electronic start-up delay for delaying the start-up of refrigeration units (10, 12, 14) for a user-programmable variable delay period. The delay permits a group of refrigeration units all powered by the same source (16) to be restarted at different time intervals after a power failure to prevent overloading of the power source or associated circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: SPX CorporationInventor: Bryan M. Elwood
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Patent number: 6216481Abstract: A heat pump system installed on the discharge line of a refrigeration system with floating head pressure (condensing temperature as low as 60° F.) to extract the total rejected heat by the refrigeration system and to elevate the temperature level of the total rejected heat to a value usable in heat reclaim coils with the purpose to provide comfort heating of the building during the cold periods of the year. When no heat reclaim is required, the heat pump system is used for air conditioning and subcooling purposes.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Jordan Kantchev
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Patent number: 6205797Abstract: This invention provides an air conditioning system and operation method, having superior dehumidification ability and flexibly adaptable for processing a variety of conditioning loads, and also energy conserving. The invention comprises: a desiccant 103 for adsorbing moisture from process air; and a heat pump 200, including a compressor 260, that operates by using process air as a low-temperature heat source 240 and regeneration air as a high-temperature heat source 220 so as to supply heat to regeneration air for regenerating the desiccant. Processes of heat transfer in a sensible heat exchanger are made adjustable, for exchanging heat between post-desiccant process air that has not flowed into the low temperature heat source heat exchanger and pre-desiccant regeneration air that has not yet regenerated the desiccant.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventor: Kensaku Maeda
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Patent number: 6185946Abstract: Methods of sequencing parallel units in HVAC systems are described to improve overall system operating efficiency. The improved method is applicable for sequencing parallel centrifugal pumps in a variable flow hydronic system, parallel fans in a variable air-flow system, and centrifugal chillers in an HVAC system having a plurality of variable speed drive centrifugal chillers arrange in parallel. The method calls for determining an operating point of the on-line units, comparing the current operating point to a natural curve of maximum efficiency, and adding or shedding units as required to move closest to an operating curve of optimal efficiency, without direct regard to actual loading. Natural operating curves relate head pressure and operating speed rather than load. Control logic that implements such operating characteristics often will result in operating more parallel units on-line that would be required by prior art to meet the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: Thomas B. Hartman
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Patent number: 6164086Abstract: An air conditioner has a refrigerant circuit 1 in which a refrigerant flows through a compressor 2, a condenser 3, a supercooling heat exchanger 10, a first expansion mechanism 4 and an evaporator 5 in this order. In this refrigerant circuit 1, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is condensed in the condenser 3 and the condensed refrigerant is supercooled in the supercooling heat exchanger 10. This refrigerant is reduced in pressure in the first expansion mechanism 4, thereafter evaporated in the evaporator 5 and sucked into the compressor. Use of a nonazeotrope refrigerant as the above refrigerant can increase the refrigerating capacity improving effect due to supercooling as compared with the case where a single refrigerant is used.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Kita, Nobuo Domyo, Ryuzaburo Yajima, Kazuyuki Nishikawa
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Patent number: 6131401Abstract: In a refrigerating/air-conditioning system for a supermarket, a single outdoor unit (60) is connected to a plurality of application units (11, 21, 31, 41, 51), which are connected in parallel to each other. The application units (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) are classified into application units (11, 21, 31) of a first type for forming a two-stage refrigerating cycle with the outdoor unit (60) and application units (41, 51) of a second type for forming a one-stage refrigerating cycle with the outdoor unit (60). The application units (11, 21, 31) of the first type are applied to a freezing showcase (10), a chilling showcase (20) and a storehouse (30), respectively. The application units (41, 51) of the second type are applied to a food processing chamber (40) and a general air-conditioned room (50), respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Akitoshi Ueno, Takenori Mezaki
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Patent number: 6125640Abstract: A method of controlling a system with multiple air conditioner units having an outdoor machine and a plurality of indoor machines, which detects different driving modes input to each indoor machine, compares an outdoor temperature with first and second predetermined temperatures, and drives a corresponding indoor machine in accordance with the comparison results.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Kyung Sik Kim
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Patent number: 6126080Abstract: In an air conditioner including an outdoor unit and plural indoor units, the outdoor unit is provided with an indoor unit operation setting mechanism for setting the driving operation of the indoor units, and the indoor unit operation setting mechanism is provided with operation control parameter changing means for changing the storage content of storage means of each indoor unit and/or master/slave setting means for automatically performing the master/slave setting operation of the indoor units.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keiji Wada
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Patent number: 6119469Abstract: A programmable electronic start-up delay for delaying the start-up of refrigeration units (10, 12, 14) for a user-programmable variable delay period. The delay permits a group of refrigeration units all powered by the same source (16) to be restarted at different time intervals after a power failure to prevent overloading of the power source or associated circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: SPX CorporationInventor: Bryan M. Elwood
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Patent number: 6116035Abstract: A hot heat source heat exchanger (1) receives heat from a primary refrigerant circuit (A) to evaporate liquid refrigerant. The hot heat source heat exchanger (1) is connected to a cold heat source heat exchanger (2) through a gas flow pipe (4) and a liquid flow pipe (5). An indoor heat exchanger (3) is connected to the gas flow pipe (4) through a gas pipe (6) and connected to the liquid flow pipe (5) through a liquid pipe (7). Gas refrigerant evaporated in the hot heat source heat exchanger (1) flows into at least the cold heat source heat exchanger (2). In the cold heat source heat exchanger (2), the gas refrigerant is condensed and refrigerant flow with respect to the indoor heat exchanger (3) is changed in accordance with a cooling or a heating operation requested by the indoor heat exchanger. In the indoor heat exchanger (3), refrigerant is condensed or evaporated.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Tanaka, Takashi Matsuzaki, Kazuhide Mizutani, Yasushi Hori, Toru Inazuka
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Patent number: 6109045Abstract: In accordance with this invention, an automotive air conditioner is provided in which operational efficiency of the air conditioner is enhanced and comfortable operation may be performed with little vibration. The automotive air conditioner comprises a front seat cooling apparatus, a rear seat cooling apparatus, an environment detection device for detecting air-conditioning environment conditions, and a controller for controlling the operation of the cooling apparatuses on the basis of air-conditioning environment conditions detected by the environment detection device. A compressor drive source for either one of the cooling apparatuses is a vehicle drive source, and a compressor drive source of the other cooling apparatus is a drive source that is independent of the vehicle drive source. More preferably, the drive source that is independent of the vehicle drive source uses an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventor: Kenji Takenaka
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Patent number: 6101824Abstract: A thermostat for use with multistage Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) plants where a proportional/integral control loop is present for each stage of the multistage HVAC plant. Filter constants, Ki and Kp as well as stage control points and interstage values can be set independently for each stage.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Meyer, Daniel Thomas Uhrich, deceased
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Patent number: 6098413Abstract: In an air conditioning system in which outdoor units and indoor units of plural air conditioning units are connected to one another through a single bus line, when signals of at least two air conditioners are output onto the bus line substantially at the same output timing, the signal output timing of at least one air conditioner is changed by timing changing means so that the output timings of the signals of the air conditioners are different from one another. Further, each of the outdoor units of the air conditioners is provided with operation data recording means for recording the operation data of the outdoor unit, operation data output means for outputting the operation data of a desired outdoor unit, and operation data transmitting means for transmitting the operation data recorded in the operation data recording means to another outdoor unit through the bus line.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keiji Wada
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Patent number: 6085533Abstract: At start up, at least one bank of cylinders of a compressor is allowed to compress gas and deliver the compressed gas to the system while at least the majority of the other banks are subject to hot gas bypass. The entire compressor is subject to suction modulation such that the amount of gas that can be compressed and delivered by all of the operating banks can be controlled and thereby the compressor power demand is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Peter F. Kaido, Kyle D. Wessells
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Patent number: 6062030Abstract: A hybrid temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the air in a conditioned space, and including a mechanical temperature control unit having primary evaporator means for reducing the temperature of conditioned space air, the first evaporator means utilizing a refrigerant to remove the heat from the air; the hybrid temperature control system further comprising supplemental evaporator means located a distance from the primary evaporator means, the supplemental evaporator means utilizing a cryogen to remove additional heat from the air to further reduce the temperature of the conditioned space air.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventor: Herman H. Viegas
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Patent number: 6044652Abstract: This invention aims to provide more comfortable air-conditioning and save energy by exerting capacity of an air-conditioning system responsive to requested capacities from plural rooms through the following process: first, establish a refrigerating cycle for a multi-room air-conditioning system, second, obtain data from differential temperature calculation means, capacity storing means, ON-OFF recognition means and load constant storing means, then calculate a compressor's capacity at a predetermined cycle, and provide compressor capacity control means which controls the capacity of variable capacity compressor based on the calculation result, and also provide operating unit recognition means which recognizes a number of operating units through the ON-OFF recognition means, finally, change a method of controlling the compressor capacity depending on the number of operating units.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric IndustrialInventors: Yoshikazu Nishihara, Keiji Nakao, Hisao Kusuhara
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Patent number: 6026652Abstract: In an air conditioning system in which outdoor units and indoor units of plural air conditioning units are connected to one another through a single bus line, when signals of at least two air conditioners are output onto the bus line substantially at the same output timing, the signal output timing of at least one air conditioner is changed by timing changing means so that the output timings of the signals of the air conditioners are different from one another. Further, each of the outdoor units of the air conditioners is provided with operation data recording means for recording the operation data of the outdoor unit, operation data output means for outputting the operation data of a desired outdoor unit, and operation data transmitting means for transmitting the operation data recorded in the operation data recording means to another outdoor unit through the bus line.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keiji Wada
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Patent number: 6018957Abstract: In a refrigeration or air conditioning system employing two positive displacement compressors, one compressor has its speed controlled to exactly match the speed of the other compressor whereby beats between pressure pulsations, structural vibrations and radiated sound are minimized.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Thomas S. Katra, Richard J. Wood
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Patent number: 6003323Abstract: In order to modify the composition of a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle of a refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus using a refrigerant rectifier column, the level of the liquid refrigerant rich in the low-boiling point fraction that is obtained from a refrigerant rectifier column (11) and which collects in a refrigerant container (14), as well as the level of the liquid refrigerant rich in the high-boiling point fraction that collects in an accumulator (6) are adjusted so as to modify the composition of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle. The circuit structure can be made simple, and the energy need not be supplied during the cooling and heating operations to modify the composition of the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Mitsubshiki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshihiro Sumida, Keisuke Hokazono, Tomohiko Kasai
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Patent number: 5974813Abstract: A multi-inverter air conditioner includes an outdoor heat exchanger having a refrigeration cycle, and a plurality of indoor heat exchangers connected to the outdoor heat exchanger by pipes and wire arrangements. Each indoor heat exchanger includes a control part for detecting a temperature of the respective pipe arrangement. Each pipe arrangement includes a pipe controller for opening the pipe. The outdoor heat exchanger comprises a control section for actuating the various pipe controllers and control parts for performing a test of the system. The outdoor heat exchanger further includes an input section for enabling a user to input a command signal to initiate the testing procedure, and a display section for displaying results of the test. During a test procedure, the temperatures of all pipe arrangements are detected before and after the refrigeration cycle has been actuated.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang-jin Jeong
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Patent number: 5953926Abstract: An improved heating and cooling system is provided which also includes dehumidification and energy recovery capability. The system includes two or more heat pump circuits operating singly or in concert to provide heating, singly or in concert in reverse to provide cooling, or concurrently but oppositely to provide dehumidification only, dehumidification concurrently with heating, or dehumidification concurrently with cooling. The system is adapted to include desuperheaters while being simultaneously providing heating, cooling, or dehumidification.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Tennessee Valley AuthorityInventors: William E. Dressler, Lane D. Brown, Robert G. Walker, Michael J. Housh
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Patent number: 5950442Abstract: The air conditioning system can lower the cost by saving the energy through the use of a combination of a circulation type unit and outdoor air intake type unit, as well as simplification of mechanical arrangements. The air conditioning system comprises a first air conditioning unit for processing outdoor air and introducing processed outdoor air into indoors while discharging indoor air to outside; and a second air conditioning unit for processing indoor air while circulating the indoor air. The first air conditioning unit comprises: a desiccant device for adsorbing moisture from the outdoor air and being regenerated by the indoor air to be discharged; and a heat pump device functioning as a heat source for regenerating the desiccant device. A high temperature heat source of the heat pump device is used for heating regeneration air and a low temperature heat source of the heat pump device is used for cooling the outdoor air.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Kensaku Maeda, Tai Furuya, Hiroyasu Nowatari
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Patent number: 5927088Abstract: A boosted air source heat pump system is presented having a primary compressor, a booster compressor and an economizer. On activation of the heat pump system, the primary compressor is operated. When the primary compressor cannot meet the demand, the booster compressor is activated, but only upon receipt of a signal enabling the operation of the booster compressor. The booster compressor is preferably a variable speed booster, and its speed is controlled to be at or between an absolute minimum speed and an absolute maximum speed. The booster may be on the low side or the high side of the primary compressor. The operation of the economizer may be modulated to meet the demand on the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: David N. Shaw
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Patent number: 5921095Abstract: An expandable type refrigerator which is capable of coupling a plurality of refrigerating units or freezing units which each have an independent operational cycles and a predetermined size and is easily expanded at the site of refrigerator installation by coupling a plurality of the refrigerating units or freezing units, wherein each refrigerating unit or freezing unit is capable of controlling one micro-controller by using one power cord. The refrigerator includes more than at least two refrigerating units (or two freezing units) each of which is operable with a different operational cycle and which refrigerating units are coupled to each other at an installation site, a coupling apparatus for coupling the refrigerating units, one external power cord for supplying an electric power to the refrigerating units (or the freezing units), and an operational cycle controller for independently controlling the operational cycles of the refrigerating units (or the freezing units).Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sang Ryul Lee, Sung Ryong Jeong
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Patent number: 5904047Abstract: This invention provides an air conditioner for simultaneously cooling or heating a plurality of rooms by using a single outdoor unit and at least two and more indoor units connected to the outdoor unit, the air conditioner including indoor heat exchangers installed in each room, for heat-exchanging a room air, a unit for detecting varying temperatures of conduit during the air conditioning, a control unit for controlling low temperature, high temperature, and defrosting operations for respective indoor units on the basis of the detected conduit temperature, and for coding operation states of respective indoors to input/output the coded communication signals, a communicating unit for transmitting and receiving the coded communication signals through input/output ports provided with the control unit for communicating between any indoor units.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang-Man An
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Patent number: 5875637Abstract: A system and method of applying dual centrifugal compressors to a single evaporator and a single condenser in a refrigeration chiller unit. The condenser is split into two chambers by a divider having the same cross-sectional shape as the condenser and having holes provided through which the tubing provided in the condenser passes. The condenser includes a valve in fluid communication with both chambers of the compressor, for selectively equalizing or separating the pressures within the respective chambers. One or both compressors can be operated, according to the load. An independent condenser pressure can be provided for each centrifugal compressor, and thus the problems encountered by the conventional parallel-compressor refrigeration system can be avoided. With the invention, the refrigeration chiller capacity can be maximized and also adjusted to accommodate variable load requirements.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: York International CorporationInventor: Herman E. Paetow
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Patent number: 5867996Abstract: A compressor control device is presented to control driving power of a compressor of a vehicle air conditioner. The control device is composed of a first means which detects ambient temperature conditions of the vehicle, a second means which decides a necessary air-conditioning capacity according to the ambient temperature conditions and a third means which transmits driving power to the compressor from the engine when the necessary cooling capacity is larger than a reference capacity and from the electric motor when said necessary cooling capacity is not larger than said reference capacity.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1998Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Hiroshi Kishita, Kurato Yamasaki, Yasuhiko Niimi
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Patent number: 5853123Abstract: A signal transmission/reception device of an air conditioner is provided with a plurality of control groups (8A, 8B, . . . ). The control groups (8A, 8B, . . . ) are each composed so that an outdoor control unit (5) and an indoor control unit (6) are connected to each other through a group communication path (7) so as to be capable of signal transmission and reception therebetween. The outdoor control units (5,5, . . . ) are connected to each other through a centralized communication path (10) so as to be capable of signal transmission and reception among them. The respective group communication paths (7) are connected at the respective outdoor control units (5,5, . . . ) to the centralized communication path (10) thereby forming a single signal transmission/reception network (NW). Further, the signal transmission/reception network (NW) is connected to a centralized controller (9) for subjecting the outdoor units (3,3, . . . ) and the indoor units (4,4, . . . ) to centralized control.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Okano, Kouji Uchida, Kouji Kamafusa, Hisatoshi Kawakami, Masaharu Sogabe, Osamu Tanaka
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Patent number: 5845509Abstract: A plurality of variable speed centrifugal compressors operated in parallel form an HVAC or refrigeration system. The compressors are operated at proportionally synchronized speeds throughout their range of operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventors: David N. Shaw, Giridhari L. Agrawal
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Patent number: 5832735Abstract: An inexpensive control system for a multiple-type air conditioner makes it possible to automatically and independently detect frosting and conduct defrosting control in an outdoor unit during a reverse cycle heating operation in a two-compressor, multiple-type air conditioner which has an outdoor unit equipped only with a simple ON/OFF control function and which is not provided with a signal conductor for transmitting the information on the state of an outdoor unit to an indoor unit. In this case, the operation of the outdoor unit can be determined, monitored, and controlled from the indoor unit side so as to enable proper action to be taken. The control system is provided with means for independently controlling the operation of the outdoor unit and means for determining the operation of the outdoor unit from the indoor unit side according to the state of an indoor side heat exchanger and for controlling the operation of the air conditioner.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Matsumoto, Hikaru Katsuki
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Patent number: 5797275Abstract: A cooling system of compact design includes redundancy and free cold source usage. The system includes two circuits for circulating coolant and heat absorbing medium, and two heat exchanges common to the circuits. The heat exchangers are combined to act on both of the circuits, so that inside air is cooled by cold liquid or by expanding coolant in a combined evaporator-air cooler, and the outside air is used to cool warmed liquid or condensed coolant in a combined condenser-liquid cooler. Free cold, that is, outside cold air, may be utilized when the difference in temperature between inside air and outside air is sufficiently great and the outside air is sufficiently cold. Liquid cooled by outside air in the combined condenser-liquid cooler and then heated by warm inside air in the combined evaporator-air cooler can satisfy the entire heat load. In other cases, the compressor system can provide cooling. The free-cooling system can serve as a redundant system for the compressor system.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM EricssonInventor: Bertil S. Forsman
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Patent number: 5778692Abstract: A distributed cooling system for environmentally testing products comprises at least two insulated chambers, at least three cooling compressors and a computer control. A first one of the compressors is permanently allocated to a first one of the chambers, a second one of the compressors is permanently allocated to a second one of the chambers. The control selectively allocates the remaining compressor(s) to either of the chambers to meet a cooling requirement of a batch. Consequently, the compressors are allocated where needed such that the total number of compressors provided for the entire system is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Gerald A. Gura
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Patent number: 5769314Abstract: A variable air volume heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system controller with adaptive control architecture adjusts control parameters to provide for increased direct expansion coil air flow and reduced compressor cycling. The supply air temperature set point is adjusted as a function of the return air temperature and compressor cycling is time limited.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Johnson Service CompanyInventors: Kirk H. Drees, M. Nebil Ben-Aissa
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Patent number: 5768901Abstract: A compressor having plural banks of cylinders can be operated multi-stage, single stage, plural parallel single stages and, when multi-stage, with or without an economizer. One of the low stage banks of cylinders can be unloaded to reduce the first stage output during multi-stage operation or to permit operation of a single stage when the second stage is bypassed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael J. Dormer, Bruce A. Fraser
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Patent number: 5743101Abstract: A multi-air-conditioner includes an exterior unit, interior units and remote-controllers. The exterior unit collects operation data of each of the interior units, determines an operation condition, and transmits the operation condition to each of the interior units. The interior units transmit the operation condition to the exterior unit, receive the operation condition from the exterior units, receive the operation setting condition from the remote-controllers, set an operation condition based on the operation setting condition which is received from the remote-controllers and the exterior unit, and transmit the operation condition to the remote-controllers. The remote-controller receives the operation condition from the interior units and transmits the operation setting condition to the interior units.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasunori Shida, Yukihiko Iwata, Takashi Watanabe, Akihiro Kobayashi, Osamu Kamiya, Tatsunao Hayashida
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Patent number: 5743715Abstract: Balancing the load between compressors is not trivial. An approach is disclosed to balance loads for compression systems which have the characteristic that the surge parameters, S, change in the same direction with rotational speed during the balancing process. Load balancing control involves equalizing the pressure ratio, rotational speed, or power (or functions of these) when the compressors are operating far from surge. Then, as surge is approached, all compressors are controlled, such that they arrive at their surge control lines simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Compressor Controls CorporationInventors: Serge Staroselsky, Brett W. Batson, Saul Mirsky, Vadim Shapiro
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Patent number: 5740679Abstract: A higher temperature side unit having a higher temperature side compressor and a condenser to form a higher temperature refrigeration cycle is disposed at a position higher than a position where a lower temperature side unit forming a lower temperature refrigeration cycle is disposed. The higher temperature side unit is provided with a bypass passage which allows refrigerant to bypass the higher temperature side compressor. A shut-off valve is disposed in the bypass passage. When an open-air temperature sensed by an open-air thermometric sensor is low, the higher temperature side compressor is deactivated and the bypass passage is opened, so that refrigerant naturally circulates in the higher temperature refrigeration cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Akitoshi Ueno, Yuji Fujimoto
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Patent number: 5729993Abstract: A precooled vapor-liquid refrigeration cycle includes a basic vapor-liquid cycle and an auxiliary regenerative vapor-liquid cycle having a heat exchange relationship between them. The basic cycle includes a compressor connected in series with a condenser, throttle device, and evaporator. The auxiliary cycle includes a compressor, condenser, throttle device, and a counterflow heat exchanger, successively connected. The cycles each have condensers that are cooled by ambient air; the basic cycle is able to operate independently of the auxiliary cycle. To maximize the coefficient of performance, the basic cycle operates with a small pressure differential between compressor discharge and return. In the heat exchanger, refrigerant flow from the basic cycle condenser is further cooled in a counterflow arrangement by the low temperature refrigerant from the auxiliary cycle until the refrigerant in the basic cycle has been precooled from near ambient temperature to near the intended refrigeration temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: APD Cryogenics Inc.Inventors: Mikhail Boiarski, Oleg Podcherniaev
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Patent number: 5709097Abstract: A multiroom airconditioner includes a plurality of indoor units, each of them having an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger and a device for equalizing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor units to the outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger is divided into an identical number of sections as that of the indoor heat exchanger, each of the sections being connected to each of the indoor units in one to one basis.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Mando Machinery Corp.Inventors: Tae-Geun Kim, Kew-Wan Kim, Jeong-Seok Kim
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Patent number: 5704213Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a device, wherein said method and device includes a plurality of thermoelectric coolers with independent temperature feedback control loops monitors and controls the temperature of a device. One thermoelectric cooler coupled to the package of the device maintains a desired temperature of the package by utilizing a first independent control loop. A second thermoelectric cooler coupled to the device maintains a desired temperature of the device by utilizing a second independent control loop. The operating temperature of the package of the device is maintained as the temperature of the environment varies.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Raytheon E-Systems, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Smith, Clifford Molaskey, Charles Donaldson
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Patent number: 5701750Abstract: A thermal zone demand controlled dual cascade arranged heat pump system and system controller for building spaces, having first and second heat pumps and having an air circulation system for circulating air to and from said thermal zones and including a conditioned air chamber having first and second heat exchange refrigerant coils being connected in refrigerant circulating relation respectively with the heat pumps. A plurality of thermal zone blowers conduct conditioned air, heated or cooled, from the conditioned air chamber to respective thermal zones of the building space. Electronic controller circuitry of the system is coupled for thermal demand control of the heat pumps and the thermal zone blowers for operation of the first heat pump to accommodate a predetermined range of thermal load and for operation of the second heat pump along with the first heat pump to accommodate a greater thermal load.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Inventor: Robert W. Ray
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Patent number: 5687579Abstract: A more efficient system for cooling a load to very low temperatures by utilizing a double circuited refrigeration design. The design incorporates an air cooled condenser in a first circuit coupled in parallel with a water cooled condenser. The water cooled condenser is further coupled to a chiller in a second circuit. The chiller operates as an evaporator in the second circuit to cool a liquid that circulates between the chiller and the water cooled condenser. As the cool liquid circulates through the water cooled condenser, it enhances the efficiency of the water cooled condenser. The system operates in a single circuited mode when the difference between the desired load temperature and the ambient temperature is relatively small. The system operates in a double circuited mode the difference in temperatures is relatively large.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1994Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Inventor: Mikhail M. Vaynberg
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Patent number: 5657637Abstract: An assembly for temperature control of a fountain (dampening) fluid and/or selected rolls of a printing press, comprising a first open-circuit circulating system (U.sub.I) for supplying a fountain fluid application mechanism with a fountain fluid from a fountain fluid reservoir and a second closed-circuit circulating system (U.sub.II) for supplying a roll cooling mechanism with a cooling fluid. Each circulating system (U.sub.I, U.sub.II) is assigned a heat exchanger (3,4). The heat exchangers (3,4) receive refrigerant from a refrigeration mechanism having a power-switchable compressor (10) including a refrigerant return, thus enabling a refrigeration output to be adapted to demands in selectable operating modes "fountain-fluid cooling only", "cooling-fluid cooling only" or "fountain-fluid and cooling-fluid cooling".Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Technotrans GmbHInventor: Heinz Mertens