Plus Air Temperature Sensor Exerting A Control Patents (Class 62/176.6)
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Patent number: 9004369Abstract: A method and system is provided which receives a desired humidity level from a user for the refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator, determines the current humidity level, and then activates an atomizer in the refrigeration compartment to increase the humidity level if needed. The humidity in the refrigeration compartment may be determined based at least in part on the temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the defrost timer, the door opening times, and the compressor timer.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Anderson Bortoletto, Rameet Singh Grewal, Guolian Wu
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Publication number: 20150068235Abstract: An auxiliary ambient air refrigeration system for cooling and controlling humidity in an enclosure including a conventional refrigeration unit for providing cool refrigerated air to the enclosure, an auxiliary refrigeration unit for providing cool ambient air to the enclosure, a first sensor unit for sensing air temperature and humidity inside the enclosure, a second sensor unit for sensing ambient air temperature and humidity; and a controller responsive to the sensor units and their indicated dew points of the enclosure air and the ambient air for enabling the auxiliary refrigeration unit to provide cool ambient air to the enclosure when temperature inside the enclosure is above a first predetermined temperature, the ambient temperature is less than the enclosure temperature by a predetermined differential temperature and the dew point of the ambient air is matched to the dew point range of the air in the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventor: Richard H. Travers
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Patent number: 8973383Abstract: A humidity control apparatus has a humidity control apparatus having a humidifying part for humidifying air and a dehumidifying part for dehumidifying to control humidity of a humidity control space. The dehumidifying part has: a main body part that is configured to encapsulate a working fluid therein and to cause a heat-pipe phenomenon. A heat-insulating part fits externally to the main body part and a heat absorption part absorbs heat from a base side part located on one side of the main body part in relation to the heat-insulating part and thereby condenses the working fluid that evaporated into gas in a front side part located on the other side of the main body part in relation to the heat-insulating part. The dehumidifying part dehumidifies the air by means of the front side part of the main body part where the working fluid in liquid form evaporates.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Espec Corp.Inventor: Shinichirou Sakami
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Patent number: 8950205Abstract: An apparatus and method to cool compressors, condensing coils, and similar devices. The compressor or condensing coil is cooled by the delivery of water, which may be ambient temperature or chilled. In one embodiment, the water is delivered to a mesh filter or screen via one or more mist spray nozzles. Water conduits may be integrated with the filter frame. The method to control the delivery of the water is designed to conserve water. The control circuit comprises a microcontroller device which contains programming that receives inputs, including but not limited to, outside ambient air temperature, condenser liquid line temperature, relative humidity and electric current, and uses said inputs to provide a stepwise level of control (“solenoid open time”) of water delivery commensurate with outside air temperature and relative humidity.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Evaporcool Solutions, LLCInventors: Pat Matracea, Rick Earles, Susan Ann Beinor, Gregory Steven Cook, Arthur Joseph Flagg, Mark Thomas Marini
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Publication number: 20150027147Abstract: A high-efficiency air conditioning system for conditioning a plurality of zones within an interior of a building that includes: at least two independent ductwork systems within a building wherein each independent ductwork system directs heating and cooling to one zone within the building; a single outdoor unit a refrigerant flow pathway having a common refrigerant flow path portion, a first divergent flow path, and a second divergent flow path; at least one throttling device and at least a first indoor air handling unit providing cooling to a first independent ductwork system and a second indoor air handling unit providing cooling to a second indoor ductwork system. The compressor is incapable of simultaneously supplying both the first evaporator and the second evaporator at their full cooling capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: NIHAT O. CUR, TIMOTHY A. KEE, JAMES W. KENDALL, Steven J. Kuehl, JEFFREY A. MILLER, VERNE H. MYERS, GUOLIAN WU
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Patent number: 8899057Abstract: Embodiments of a modular air conditioning (AC) unit include a base unit, a blower mounted to the base unit, and at least one heat exchanger module assembled to the base unit and communicatively coupled to the blower to form a modular AC circuit. The modular AC unit also includes a controller communicatively coupled to at least one component of the modular AC circuit and adapted to independently control operation of each of the components of the modular AC circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Hobart Brothers CompanyInventors: Varun Prem Sagar Rajasekaran, Jeffrey E. Montminy, Steven Eugene Bivens
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Publication number: 20140345307Abstract: An evaporator setpoint temperature for a refrigeration system is adjusted by an electronic control module to maximize a ratio of volume of condensate produced per unit of electricity consumed. When the control module detects a change in the relative humidity of air entering an evaporator in the refrigeration system, the module determines the new dew point for the air, compensates the dew point value by a predetermined offset value, and changes the setpoint for refrigerant temperature in the evaporator to the compensated dew point value. The control module operates the refrigeration system to drive the evaporator temperature to the compensated dew point value. Refrigeration system parameters measured and modified by the control module include operating speed of compressors, number of operating compressors, refrigerant flow through an expansion valve, compressor suction pressure, and fan speeds for the condenser and evaporator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2013Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Air to Water Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey William Bagley, Keith Gregory Lucia
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Patent number: 8863536Abstract: Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: David L. Perry, John M. Sartain
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Patent number: 8833092Abstract: In one example, we describe reliable, flexible, low-maintenance, low-overhead, low-cost installation, practical, and easy-to-install structures and components or techniques (methods and systems) for water capture from high humidity sources, e.g., sea or river, for use or consumption by humans, animals, or plants/agriculture/food production. In one example, it is modularized. Thus, it is easier for transportation and maintenance, with less cost and down-time. For example, it can be used in some regions in the Middle East or Africa, with dry land with no or small amount of rain. In one example, we describe the use of renewable energy sources. In one example, we describe the control system for operation of water collection and distribution systems, e.g., for optimization and efficiency or cost. We also describe the mechanisms, techniques, components, and systems to implement various tasks and goals related to these.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Inventors: Cyrus Sobhani, Saied Tadayon, Bijan Tadayon
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Patent number: 8813517Abstract: An air conditioner including a humidifier and an air conditioning system. The humidifier is modularized within the air conditioner so that the air conditioner performs humidifying together with air conditioning. Further, the humidifier may be linked in operation to the air conditioner.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sunghwa Lee, Younghoon Kim, Bongjo Sung, Jongho Park
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Patent number: 8783049Abstract: A cooling system for a data center in which equipment racks are disposed has a cooling unit and a controller coupled to the cooling unit. The cooling system includes temperature sensors at or near the cooling unit's air return inlet, at or near the cooling unit's air supply outlet, and at or near the equipment racks air inlet(s). The controller measures these temperatures. A relative humidity sensor is located at or near the air return inlet of the cooling unit. The relative humidity where the relative humidity sensor is located is measured by the controller using the relative humidity sensor. The controller calculates the dew point temperature from the temperature sensor and relative humidity. Using this dew point, which is essentially constant throughout the space being conditioned, and the temperatures from the other locations, the controller then calculates the relative humidity at each location.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Liebert CorporationInventors: Michael Jason Gloeckner, David V. Larson
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Publication number: 20140190191Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, relating to an air module and control thereof. An air module can include a controller, an air intake module configured to receive first air from a first air source and to receive second air from a second air source, an evaporative cooling module in fluid communication with the air intake module, and a mechanical cooling module in fluid communication with the evaporative cooling module. The controller can be configured to cause the intake module to mix the first air and the second air to form intake air, and selectively cool the intake air to form supply air by at least one of causing the evaporative cooling module to selectively cool the intake air, and causing the mechanical cooling module to selectively cool the intake.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: William Slessman, Steve Durand, Rose Gilbert, Andreas Zoll
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Patent number: 8752772Abstract: In order to increase the air humidity in a cabin region of an aircraft equipped with a plurality of seats, a device includes a plurality of humidifying units each arranged in spatial association with a partial number of the seats and a plurality of outlet openings. The humidifying units are each designed to enrich a supplied air stream with gaseous water. The outlet openings are designed to emit the air streams enriched by the humidifying units into the cabin region, such that a partial number of the outlet openings each receive one of the enriched air streams. The air temperature of the enriched air streams is controlled so that the local temperature in a target region served by the humidifying unit does not fall below a dew point.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Christian Schumacher, Walter Kulcke, Karin Thudt, Robert Schreiber
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Publication number: 20140157805Abstract: A refrigerator having a dew prevention and/or control device and a method for preventing the formation of dew in and/or on the refrigerator includes a compressor adapted to compress a refrigerant, a condenser adapted to condense the refrigerant from the compressor, an evaporator adapted to cool air existing therearound by evaporating the refrigerant that passes through the condenser, a pipe between the condenser and the evaporator, configured to pass through the refrigerator body, humidity sensors and/or detectors configured to determine a humidity around the refrigerator, and a controller adapted to vary rotational speed of the fan in accordance with the humidity determined by the humidity sensors and/or detectors, thereby efficiently preventing the formation of dew on or in the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Dongbn Daewoo Electronics CorporationInventor: Won Joo KWON
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Publication number: 20140157806Abstract: A humidity control apparatus and an air-conditioning system are capable of controlling the latent heat processing amount and the sensible heat processing amount in accordance with an indoor heat load without decreasing the operation efficiency. Every time an air route is switched to an air route A or an air route B, the route maintenance time for the switched air route is set on the basis of the heat load within a dehumidification target space, and switching of switching devices is controlled such that the set route maintenance time is ensured.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Shinichi Ito, Masaki Toyoshima, Fumitake Unezaki
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Patent number: 8701427Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle HVAC system to automatically defog a windshield glass and to prevent fogging or condensation of the windshield glass. In-cabin air temperature and relative humidity are measured and used to determine a dewpoint. Further, ambient or outside temperature is measured. If windshield wipers are being used or if the cabin air temperature is less than a predetermined temperature, the ambient air temperature value is used as a glass temperature, otherwise the glass temperature is determined from the ambient air temperature and vehicle speed. A fog margin, which is a measure of the likelihood of fog formation, is based upon the difference between dewpoint and the windshield glass temperature. The fog margin is used to control the HVAC system to anticipate and respond to potential fogging conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daniel Yelles
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Patent number: 8696151Abstract: Disclosed is a process of determining, at a point during shipment, whether the solid phase refrigerant in a shipment is sufficient to preserve the shipment cargo, which is blood or other biological products, for the remaining shipment period, by: monitoring the temperatures encountered to said point and estimating the temperatures likely to be encountered during the remaining shipment period; determining the likelihood that the remaining refrigerant can maintain the shipment cargo within a specified temperature range during the remaining shipment period; and if the risk that the remaining refrigerant cannot maintain the shipment cargo within said range during the remaining shipment period is above a cut-off level, then taking action to preserve the value of the cargo.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: TCP Reliable, Inc.Inventor: Maurice Barakat
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Patent number: 8676531Abstract: A measured value for a PMV within a living space is sent to a comfort efficacy evaluating device. Occupancy information (the current number of occupants N) in the living space is sent to the comfort efficacy evaluating device. The comfort efficacy evaluating device calculates a comfort index P as P=1.0?|PMV|/3, and this comfort index P is weighted by the number of occupants N at the time that the comfort index P was taken. In this case, if the number of occupants is relatively high, the weighting is high, and if the number of occupants is relatively low, then the weighting is low. Additionally, the weighted comfort index P is integrated over an evaluation interval, and thus integrated value, or a weighted average based on this integrated value, is used as a comfort efficacy index TP. An evaluation of the efficacy of energy conservation can be performed in the same way, taking into account the current occupancy of the living space.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventors: Haruka Ueda, Ryouta Dazai, Masato Tanaka
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Patent number: 8627673Abstract: An atmospheric water harvester includes a cooling member over which humid air flows to condense moisture from the atmosphere. The cooling member may be the evaporator of a conventional, gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit. If a gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit is used, the compressor of the circuit may be variable speed. A fan or impeller used to move air through the system may also be variable speed. A preferred embodiment includes a variable flow geometry thermal economizer section configured such that, to varying degrees, the incoming air may be pre-cooled, before it passes over the cooling member, by heat exchange with colder air that has already flowed over the cooling member.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Water Generating Systems LLCInventors: James W. Hill, Christopher G. Preston, Michael D. Max
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Patent number: 8590801Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature and humidity of ambient air entering an air supply unit at conditions falling within an atmospheric window to produce optimal temperature and humidity conditions inside a paint booth. The system includes a humidity control loop and a temperature control loop. The humidity control loop monitors the humidity within the paint booth, and directs the temperature control loop to increase the temperature within the paint booth when humidity therein is above a set value. The temperature and humidity within the paint booth are thus maintained within an optimal window.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryan Moran, Mike Sakich
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Patent number: 8584481Abstract: An integrated air conditioner that controls the operation of a water feed device according to the mode of use. The air conditioner includes a control section that determines whether or not exhaust heat from a condenser 3 is being released outdoors through an exhaust duct 7 according to whether or not an air intake duct 26 or an exhaust duct 7 is fitted, operates a water feed device 8 for leading drain wafer collected in the drain pan to the condenser 3 during both of a cooling operation and a dehumidifying operation if it determines that the heat to be released from the condenser 3 is being released outdoors, and operates the water feed device 8 during the cooling operation and stops the operation of the water feed device 8 during the dehumidifying operation if it determines that the exhaust heat from the condenser 3 is not being released outdoors.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tohru Ariga
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Patent number: 8578727Abstract: To provide a low-cost and highly reliable indoor unit and an air-conditioning apparatus having the same by obtaining a dew point temperature at the outlet side without installing a humidity sensor and a dew point temperature detector at the outlet side.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Tsutsumi
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Patent number: 8572865Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement having a working fluid and an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected and containing the working fluid. The apparatus also includes a sensor located to sense at least one parameter, a controller coupled to said sensor and said compressor, a drum to receive clothes to be dried, wherein a rear portion of the drum is equipped with multiple perforations, and a perimeter portion of the drum is equipped with multiple perforations, and a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over said condenser and through said drum, wherein the duct and fan arrangement is configured to facilitate airflow through the perforations on the rear portion of the drum into the drum, and out of the drum through the perforations on the perimeter portion of the drum to enable an increased airflow without an increased power input.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Beers, Nicholas Okruch, Jr.
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Patent number: 8572993Abstract: A fog sensing apparatus for vehicle windows is provided. The fog sensing apparatus includes: a temperature/humidity sensor module including a glass surface temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of a glass surface of the vehicle window, and a humidity sensor for measuring relative humidity around the glass surface of the vehicle window; a flexible printed circuit board on which the temperature/humidity sensor module is mounted, which a temperature measurement part of the glass surface temperature sensor contacts, and on which a conductive pattern is formed to be connected to electrode terminals of the glass surface temperature sensor and electrode terminals of the humidity sensor; a substrate assembly having a through hole for the temperature/humidity sensor module to pass through, and connection terminals connected to the conductive pattern; and a case covering the substrate assembly, the substrate assembly interposed between the case and the flexible printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Auto Electronic CorporationInventors: Hag-chul No, Kyung-sun Kim
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Patent number: 8572994Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically operating dehumidifiers in response to dehumidifier operating conditions are disclosed herein. A method of operating a dehumidifier configured in accordance with one embodiment includes directing air flow through the dehumidifier at a first volumetric flow rate while the dehumidifier is operating at a first operating condition. The method further includes changing the first volumetric flow rate to a second volumetric flow rate when the first operating condition of the dehumidifier changes to a predetermined second operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Dri-Eaz Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert Pendergrass, Matthew Miller, Tom Schnelle, Larry White
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Patent number: 8544288Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing dehumidification of a conditioned space, while optimizing the effectiveness of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) devices that are present in the HVAC system. After the system compressor is shut off, the actual space humidity is compared to the desired humidity. If the actual humidity is very close to or lower than the desired level the indoor blower (air handler) is allowed to continue running. However, if the actual humidity is greater than the desired level by a specified amount, the blower is forced off for a period of time proportional to the difference between the actual and desired humidity. At the next compressor activation, the blower is allowed to run as normal.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.Inventor: Virginia N. MacDonald
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Patent number: 8505320Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Gentherm IncorporatedInventor: John Lofy
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Patent number: 8490422Abstract: An outdoor air cooler with two stages includes a first stage for cooling and humidification with constant wet bulb temperature. The air cooler has a first stage pump circulating water over the first stage evaporative cooling media operating at conditions having a constant adiabatic wet bulb temperature line. The first stage tank is supplied with water from external source. The second stage includes a second set of evaporative cooling media using water from the first stage media, which is equal to or lower than outdoor air wet bulb temperature. The temperature of air leaving the second stage evaporative media follows the adiabatic wet bulb temperature line toward the second stage tank water temperature thereby cooling humidifying the treated air to stable wet and dry bulb temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventor: Alaa Abdulkareem Al Watban
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Patent number: 8434317Abstract: A refrigerated appliance such as a refrigerator receives a demand response signal indicating a peak demand period and operates the refrigerator in an energy savings mode by disabling an anti-sweat heater. Sensors monitor ambient temperature and humidity, and the dry bulb temperature of a preselected region where incipient moisture would likely form. Data from the sensors is sent to a controller which calculates ambient dew point and compares the dry bulb temperature of the preselected region with the calculated dew point to enable the anti-sweat heater during the peak demand period and prevent incipient formation of moisture.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John K. Besore
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Patent number: 8397522Abstract: A dynamic system controls indoor relative humidity and temperature to achieve specified conditions by applying multiple stages of dehumidification. In addition to a stage that increases dehumidification by reducing the speed of the indoor blower, the system uses a reheat coil and multiple valves that allow the reheat coil to function as either a subcooling coil or a partial condenser. Thus the system can maintain specified indoor temperature and humidity conditions even at times when no heating or cooling is needed. The system may have an outdoor condensing unit including a compressor and a condenser operably connected via refrigerant lines to an indoor unit to form a “split system” refrigerant loop.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Davis Energy Group, Inc.Inventors: David A. Springer, Marc A. Hoeschele, James H. Phillips
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Patent number: 8393549Abstract: A system for controlling temperature and humidity of a controlled space includes a supply air path for supplying an outside air stream to the controlled space; an exhaust air path for conveying an exhaust air stream from the controlled space; a total energy recovery device in contact with the outside air stream and the exhaust air stream; a dehumidification wheel in contact with two spaced portions of the outside air stream; and a cooler in contact with the outside air stream between the two spaced portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Paul L. Pieper
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Publication number: 20130055736Abstract: A method and apparatus are configured for providing thermal comfort (i.e., climatic conditioning) within an interior space of a building structure in multiple climate zones including hot and humid climates using very low energy consumption. Multiple water vapor phase change cycles are provided within a period of time where only a single such water vapor phase change cycle would typically take place under naturally occurring ambient conditions. These multiple water vapor phase change cycles are generated through artificially creating conditions within a hygroscopic heat sink mass for promoting water vapor phase change cycle. Advantageously, in combination with such artificially promoted water vapor phase change cycles, embodiments of the present invention provide hygroscopic properties and heat sink masses made from materials that can adsorb and retain thermal energy and that exhibit water vapor sorption/desorption attributes commonly associated with compositions referred to as desiccants.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventor: Steve Eugene Everett
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Patent number: 8381539Abstract: A method of controlling a cooling element in order to decrease the thermal load on animals includes the step: —to start the cooling element when the air temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value and/or a parameter, dependent on the relative humidity of air, exceeds a predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: DeLaval Holding ABInventor: Anders Ehrlemark
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Patent number: 8365549Abstract: A device for controlling the refrigeration and humidity inside a drawer movable within a compartment of a refrigerator, the drawer being insertable into the forced-air compartment provided in a cabinet of the refrigerator, the compartment receiving cold air forced through a feed conduit provided in the cabinet. The conduit is divided into a plurality of channels, one opening into a side wall of the compartment, and at least one other opening at an upper wall of the compartment above the drawer, in the channels an interceptor member is provided to allow control of the air flow passing through it and directed to the compartment for the drawer.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Claudio Civanelli
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Patent number: 8356760Abstract: A HVAC control system is described that utilizes either a look-up table or an equation to calculate an apparent temperature based on the temperature and the moisture in the air at the control point. As the control system operates, the target temperature is constantly modified based on the current temperature and humidity or equivalently the calculated moisture in the air to maintain a constant apparent temperature. This has the effect of reducing the variance in the perceived comfort in the controlled area. An important additional feature is the cost savings due to reduced energy usage that is possible when external relative humidity conditions change so that less cooling or heating is required to maintain a comfortable environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Inventor: Claude Roger Riley, Jr.
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Patent number: 8312918Abstract: A system and method for detecting low levels of humidity (i.e. less than 10%) inside an automotive vehicle is provided whereby the total absolute humidity inside the vehicle is determined by multiplying the number of occupants in the vehicle by an absolute humidity factor to obtain a total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants. The absolute humidity outside the vehicle is added to the total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants to arrive at a total vehicle cabin absolute humidity.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Trevor Burns, Junichi Kanemaru
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Patent number: 8301335Abstract: A system for controlling air-conditioning of a vehicle includes an input, an offset generator module, and an evaporator temperature control module. The input receives an input temperature. The offset generator module receives a psychrometric parameter of air inside the vehicle and generates offsets based on the input temperature and the psychrometric parameter. The evaporator temperature control module generates a target evaporator temperature based on the offsets.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, Daimler AGInventors: Mark A. Hill, Alfred Jeckel, Curt O'Donnell, Mark Bigler, Lance Tagliapietra
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Patent number: 8256236Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor. In certain arrangements, the sensor is configured to detect the presence of a liquid by measuring an electrical resistance or capacitance across a portion of the sensor. A climate control system can include a separator gasket located within a housing of a fluid module and at least partially between the cold passage and the hot passage. In some embodiments, the separator gasket comprises one or more wicking materials.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Gentherm IncorporatedInventor: John Lofy
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Publication number: 20120131936Abstract: A display apparatus has a compressor cooler having a condenser that condenses refrigerant by radiating heat, an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant for heat absorption and dehumidification, and a compressor that inhales vapor generated by the evaporator and compresses the vapor to be condensed; a temperature sensor that monitors temperature of the evaporator; a backlight; a first control portion that terminates the compressor when the temperature of the evaporator is a first predetermined temperature or lower; and a second control portion that increases a level of the backlight when the temperature of the evaporator is a second predetermined temperature or lower, wherein the second predetermined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomonori YOSHIDA, Shohei TAKAHASHI, Hidenori SATO
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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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Patent number: 8161761Abstract: A self-contained climate control system for simultaneous temperature and humidity control in a wine cellar includes a refrigeration system having a conventional vapor-compression system including a condensate drip tray with over-flow passages. A programmable controller with a temperature sensor turns the compressor on and off by responding to the temperature sensor to regulate the air temperature in the wine cellar. The programmable controller keeps the system fans running after the compressor stops to cause evaporation of the water in the drip tray, restoring the moisture to the wine cellar.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Vinotemp International CorporationInventor: Haoming Shao
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Publication number: 20120047930Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for heating water and dehumidifying air and a water heating and air processing system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator, a first condenser and a compressor, (2) a refrigerant-water heat exchanger having a second condenser fluidly coupled to the refrigeration circuit and (3) a control valve operatively connected to the refrigeration circuit to either direct flow of the refrigerant through the first condenser during a dehumidification mode or through the second condenser during a water heating mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: Lennox Industries, IncorporatedInventor: Robert Uselton
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Publication number: 20120047929Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a defrost unit for a vehicle. A prediction is performed as to whether condensation has formed against a surface of the vehicle. The defrost unit is automatically activated when it is predicted that the condensation has formed against the surface. Another prediction is made as to whether condensation has dissipated from the surface while the defrost unit is operating. The defrost unit is automatically deactivated when it is predicted that the condensation has dissipated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: GILLES M. DELORME, THOMAS D. HAGEN, TODD M. TUMAS
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Patent number: 8118236Abstract: A basement ventilator for use in a building to reduce basement humidity and increase basement air circulation, the basement ventilator includes a household inlet duct for receiving and ducting household air of the building; an interior exhaust vent in communication with the household inlet duct for venting the household air into the basement; a basement air inlet duct for receiving humid air from a lower region of the basement of the building; an exterior exhaust vent in communication with the basement air inlet duct and the outside of the building for venting the humid air from the basement of the building to the outside; and a fan device in communication with the household inlet duct, the interior exhaust vent, the basement air inlet duct and the exterior exhaust vent for drawing household air into the household inlet duct and exhausting the household air into the basement through the interior exhaust vent and for drawing air from the lower region of the basement into the basement air inlet duct and exhaustType: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Air Tech Equipment Ltd.Inventors: Marc Lestage, Patrick Boudreau
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Publication number: 20120017612Abstract: A cooling system for an appliance includes an evaporator stage, a compressor stage coupled to the evaporator stage and a condenser stage coupled to the compressor stage. The condenser stage includes a condenser and a condenser cooling fan for cooling the condenser, and a condenser loop coupled between the condenser stage and the evaporator stage. A humidity sensor is configured to detect a humidity level in an area of the cooling system and a controller is configured to cycle an operating state of the condenser cooling fan from ON to a low speed or OFF prior to an end of a cooling cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Brent Alden Junge, Eric Paez, Joseph Thomas Waugh, Kristin Marie Weirich
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Patent number: 7975496Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a humidity sensor and a controller. The compressor is configured to compress refrigerant and the condenser is fluidly coupled to the compressor to receive the refrigerant from the compressor. The evaporator is fluidly coupled to the condenser to receive the refrigerant from the condenser and fluidly coupled to the compressor to supply the refrigerant to the compressor. The humidity sensor is positioned proximate the evaporator to detect moisture density of air passing through the evaporator towards a vehicle passenger compartment. The controller is operatively coupled to the humidity sensor and the compressor to cycle the compressor on and off to maintain the moisture density in the air being cooled by the evaporator and sensed by the humidity sensor below a predetermined moisture density threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Ronald S. Eisenhour, Charles Sprunger
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Patent number: 7975495Abstract: A refrigerant system adjusts, in a coordinated prioritized manner, the variable capacities of a compressor, evaporator fan and a condenser fan to minimize the system's overall power consumption while maintaining a comfort zone within a target comfort range. The target comfort range is defined by desired temperature and humidity limits. When the comfort zone is within the target comfort range, the system periodically attempts to reduce the compressor capacity. If the attempt succeeds, the evaporator fan capacity is then minimized. The condenser fan capacity can also be minimized provided the refrigerant system can maintain at least a minimum saturated suction temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the condenser to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Roger J. Voorhis, Patrick B. Sowada
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Publication number: 20110146311Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a refrigeration system having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant gas and a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor to receive compressed refrigerant gas from the compressor, the condenser configured to condense the refrigerant gas. In addition the refrigeration system includes a heat exchanger having a first section fluidly coupled to the compressor, and a second section fluidly coupled between the condenser and the compressor, wherein the first section receives compressed refrigerant gas from the compressor, and wherein the second section receives condensed refrigerant from the condenser, evaporates the refrigerant, and delivers the evaporated refrigerant to the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Ole Thogersen, Allan Dyrmose
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Patent number: 7946505Abstract: An environmental control system for a vehicle, in particular for predicting internal misting of a vehicle windscreen, the system comprising a windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28, an ambient humidity sensor assembly 32 and a second temperature sensor assembly 30 for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly 32. The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28 is mounted on an interior rearview mirror support bracket 10 for engagement with the interior surface 18 of the windscreen, and the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are mounted within a rearview mirror housing 12 mounted to the mirror support bracket 10.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Magna Donnelly Engineering GmbHInventors: Niall R. Lynam, Patrick J. Lawlor, Garrett Coady
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Patent number: 7926297Abstract: In an input section (30), a set temperature Ts which becomes a control target temperature of a humidity controller (10), and a set relative humidity Rs which becomes a control target humidity of the humidity controller (10) are set. An air conditioning control section (42) adjusts the temperature adjusting capacity of the humidity controller (10) such that the room temperature may come very close to the set temperature Ts. Further, an arithmetic section (33) calculates, as the target absolute humidity As, the absolute humidity which becomes the relative humidity set value Rs at the set temperature Ts. A humidity adjustment section (41) adjusts the humidity adjusting capacity of the humidity controller (10) such that the absolute humidity of the room may come very close to the target absolute humidity As.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuki Matsui, Tetsuyuki Kondo