Single Refrigeration Producer Controlled By Plural Sensors Patents (Class 62/208)
  • Publication number: 20080190125
    Abstract: A high-pressure side discharge port of a two-stage compressor (12A) and a condenser (14A) are connected, condenser (14A) and a PMV (15A) are connected, a refrigerating side exit of PMV (15A) is connected to a medium pressure side suction port of two-stage compressor (12A) via an R capillary tube (16A) and an F evaporator (18A), connected to an F evaporator (26A) via an F capillary tube (24A), F evaporator (26A) is connected to a low-pressure side suction port of two-stage compressor (12A) via a low-pressure suction pipe (28A), PMV (15A) can switch a simultaneous cooling mode and a freezing mode, and in the simultaneous cooling mode, a refrigerant flow rate toward R evaporator (18A) is adjusted by PMV (15A), and thereby a temperature difference control is performed so as to make a difference between an entrance temperature and an exit temperature of R evaporator (18A) equal to a preset temperature difference (for example, 4° C.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Takahiro Yoshioka, Hidetake Hayashi, Minoru Temmyo
  • Publication number: 20080168786
    Abstract: Flexible aircraft air-conditioning system for a flexible aircraft cabin The invention relates to a method and a device for air-conditioning an aircraft cabin, which comprises a first zone and a second zone of variable length and at least one intermediate zone. The at least one intermediate zone may be associated with the lo first zone or the second zone. Air at a first set temperature is supplied to the first zone (6a) via a first supply line (10a). Air at a second set temperature is supplied to the second zone (6b) via a second supply line (10b). In at least one intermediate zone (6c) air is supplied via an intermediate zone supply line (10c) associated therewith. If the at least one intermediate zone (6c) is associated with the first zone is (6a), the set temperature of the air supplied to the intermediate zone (6c) corresponds substantially to the set temperature of the air supplied to the first zone (6a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Eichholz, Torsten Schwan
  • Publication number: 20080156891
    Abstract: A refrigerant system includes a controller that enables the system to dehumidify the air in a room without relying on a humidistat and without having to operate the system's compressor and electric heater at the same time. To dehumidify the air, the system's compressor, supply air fan, and outside air damper are controlled in a manner similar to other systems operating in a cooling mode when the room temperature is above a certain setpoint temperature. When the room temperature falls below the setpoint, however, the operation changes significantly. The controller closes the outside air damper, decreases the speed of the fan, and continues operating in this manner until the room temperature decreases to a subcooling temperature limit. The subcooling temperature limit is less than a predetermined limit that is used during the system's normal cooling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Qianghua Zhou, Tedd P. Johnson, Todd A. Van Hyfte
  • Patent number: 7386985
    Abstract: The refrigerant charge adequacy of an air conditioning system is determined by the sensing of two temperatures in the system, one being at a midpoint in a condenser coil and the other being the temperature in the liquid line of the condenser discharge, with the difference then being indicative of the degree of subcooling, which, in turn, may be indicative of refrigerant charge condition. The method is refined by measuring a third temperature at the compressor discharge, with the three temperature values then being used to calculate a pair of residual values which provide an indication of whether the two temperature approach is useful in determining charge adequacy under the existing conditions and if not, whether the system is overcharged or undercharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Julio I. Concha, Robert J. Braun, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Don A. Schuster, Sathish R. Das
  • Publication number: 20080134703
    Abstract: In a cooling system (10) for cooling heat-generating installations (44, 46, 48) in an aircraft, with a refrigerating installation (12), at least one refrigeration consumer (44, 46, 48) and a refrigeration transport system (14) connecting the refrigerating installation (12) and the refrigeration consumer (44,46, 48), it is provided that the refrigerating installation (12) comprises at least one refrigeration machine (18, 20) which covers the maximum refrigeration requirement of the at least one refrigeration consumer (44, 46, 48) and in that the at least one refrigeration consumer (44, 46, 48) is supplied with cold generated in the refrigerating installation (12) via a refrigerating agent circulating in the refrigeration transport system (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Scherer, Matthias Witschke, Ahmet Kayihan Kiryaman
  • Patent number: 7380404
    Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with a method and a control programmed to perform the method, in which a low charge of refrigerant is identified. The mass flow of refrigerant through the system is calculated utilizing at least two different methods. The two calculated mass flow rates are compared, and if they differ by more than predetermined amount, a determination is made that there is a low charge of refrigerant within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Pengju Kang, Mohsen Farzad, Alan M. Finn, Payman Sadegh
  • Patent number: 7370484
    Abstract: A variable evaporator control system and method in a gas dryer for maximizing the cooling which can be accomplished for a given length heat exchanger by adjusting the evaporator refrigerant approach temperature responsive to changes in the gas load on the system. Pressure and/or temperature sensors positioned at particular locations in the system provide feedback for controlling adjustments in the approach temperature depending on the gas load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Flair Corporation
    Inventors: Brian W. Pritchard, Mark F. Honath, Timothy J. Fox
  • Patent number: 7367198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area. The product display area defines a highest temperature zone and a lowest temperature zone. The merchandiser includes a first product simulator positioned in the highest temperature zone of the product display area to generate a first signal representative of the temperature of products positioned in the highest temperature zone of the product display area, and a second product simulator positioned in the lowest temperature zone of the product display area to generate a second signal representative of the temperature of products positioned in the lowest temperature zone of the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a controller in communication with the first and second product simulators. The controller is operable to adjust an outlet temperature set point in response to the first and second signals from the first and second product simulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: John Arthur Behr
  • Publication number: 20080092566
    Abstract: A combination refrigerator/freezer unit with an insulated cabinet defining a refrigerator section, a freezer section and at least one air passage between the freezer section and refrigerator section. A single evaporator is disposed in the freezer section. A controller controls operation of the refrigeration system. The controller receives input signals from freezer and refrigerator sensors and controls the refrigeration system to pass refrigerant to the evaporator in the freezer section according to at least one temperature parameter of the refrigerator section sensed by the refrigerator sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas W. Rand, Andrew J. Doberstein
  • Patent number: 7360372
    Abstract: A refrigeration system to increase the subcooling degree of refrigerant flowing through a main refrigerant circuit is provided. The refrigeration system is configured such that a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit can be made to bypass the remainder of the main refrigerant circuit in a bypass refrigerant circuit so as to be returned to the intake side of a compressor and to be used to cool the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit to a subcooled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Takechi, Shinya Matsuoka, Yasushi Hori, Masahiro Oka
  • Patent number: 7343751
    Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7337619
    Abstract: A method and system for assessing a level of refrigerant in a vehicle air conditioning system. A refrigerant charge value is determined as a function of ambient air temperature, ambient air humidity, conditioned air temperature, and compressor cycling signals. The refrigerant charge value is compared to a threshold value to determine whether the level of refrigerant is acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Hsiao-An Hsieh, Francois Charette, Steven Lake, Harish Maruvada, Mike Calkins, Alex Przebienda, David Volker
  • Patent number: 7331187
    Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7308799
    Abstract: A waste energy-based vehicle air conditioning system includes efficient compression driving means coupled to refrigeration means, which greatly reduces the extra fuel otherwise required to operate conventional vehicle air conditioning systems. In one implementation, the compression driving means includes a controller (e.g., magnetic clutch) that couples mechanical waste energy from an engine fan axle, a vehicle drive shaft, or a transmission shaft directly to an axle of a refrigerant compressor. Alternatively, the controller can also include a battery that is charged from the mechanical waste energy. Upon detecting the presence of vehicle waste energy, such as the driver's foot releasing from a gas pedal, the controller powers the refrigerant compressor with a rotating axle (e.g., during deceleration) or with the vehicle's battery power, as appropriate. One or more kits can be used to retrofit existing vehicles to operate the respective air conditioning systems principally on waste energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas D. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7302805
    Abstract: A sensor array, particularly for vehicle air conditioners, having a housing, in which an electronic unit, a first sensor element connected with the electronic unit for measuring a first physical parameter, and a second sensor element connected with the electronic unit for measuring a second physical parameter, are arranged. The electronic unit has an electric signal output and an analyzing module which, as a function of momentary measuring values of the physical parameters, according to a defined selection logic, determines which of the measured physical parameters is to be considered to be the momentarily relevant parameter, and which switches a sensor signal formed on the basis of the momentarily relevant parameter to the signal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Tille, Robert Mager, Robert Hoeppler
  • Patent number: 7275377
    Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7266961
    Abstract: A mobile refrigeration system that includes an engine that is operable at a first speed greater than zero and a second speed greater than zero. A compressor is operable in response to the engine at a first speed and a second speed. The system also includes an evaporator, a first temperature sensor positioned to measure a first temperature, and a second temperature sensor positioned to measure a second temperature. A controller is operable to transition the engine between the first speed and the second speed in response to the first temperature exceeding a first predetermined value and the second temperature falling below a second predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley M. Ludwig, Doug Lenz, Darrell Storlie, Steve Helgeson, Brian Meagher, Gary Connolly
  • Patent number: 7260946
    Abstract: A mobile refrigeration system that includes an engine that is operable at a first speed greater than zero and a second speed greater than zero. A compressor is operable in response to the engine at a first speed and a second speed. The system also includes an evaporator, a first temperature sensor positioned to measure a first temperature, and a second temperature sensor positioned to measure a second temperature. A controller is operable to transition the engine between the first speed and the second speed in response to the first temperature exceeding a first predetermined value and the second temperature falling below a second predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley M. Ludwig, Doug Lenz, Darrell Storlie, Steve Helgeson, Brian Meagher, Gary Connolly
  • Patent number: 7234313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring system for connection to an air conditioning system. The monitoring system includes a primary monitor for sensing the suction temperature and suction pressure of the air conditioning system along with the air conditioning unit temperature. In addition, the monitoring system includes a remote sensing device that is placed in the structure to monitor and transmit return air temperature and relative humidity to the primary monitor. The collected data is then used to calculate the superheat condition of the air conditioning system which is related to its efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Stargate International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Bell, Hans Becker
  • Patent number: 7216498
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine the pressure of a supercritical refrigerant within a heat exchanger of a transcritical vapor compression system. A plurality of measurements, e.g., temperature, are obtained at spaced locations on the heat exchanger and the location of the minimum temperature gradient, i.e., maximum specific heat value of the refrigerant, is determined (“the inflection point”). Obtaining the refrigerant temperature at the inflection point allows the refrigerant pressure to be determined. Alternatively, the temperature of the refrigerant at a second point can be determined together with the change in specific enthalpy between the inflection point and the second point to thereby determine the pressure of the refrigerant. The system can be regulated by controlling the location of the inflection point or by controlling the temperature difference of the refrigerant at the inflection point and a second point, e.g., the outlet of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Dan M Manole, Alicia Frostick
  • Patent number: 7201006
    Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7146819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of refrigerant level monitoring in a refrigerant circuit of an air-conditioning or heat-pump system having a compressor and a refrigerant which may, depending on the operating point, be operated in the supercritical range. The method includes standstill level monitoring with the compressor switched off and/or in-operation level monitoring with the compressor switched on. In the case of in-operation level monitoring, the refrigerant overheat (dTü) at the evaporator is registered and, in the event of excessive overheat, it is concluded that there is underfilling. At a standstill, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are registered, and it is concluded that there is an improper refrigerant filling level if the pressure (pKM) lies below a minimum pressure value (pmin) or the temperature (TKM) lies above a maximum saturation temperature value (TS) with the pressure being outside a predefinable intended pressure range ([pu,po]).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Walter Demuth, Rainer Heilig, Volker Kirschner, Martin Kotsch, Hans-Joachim Krauss, Hagen Mittelstrass, Harald Raiser, Michael Sickelmann, Karl-Heinz Staffa, Christoph Walter
  • Patent number: 7143590
    Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, at least one of an inner surface temperature of a passenger compartment and a surface temperature of a passenger in each detection area is the passenger compartment is detected by an infrared rays sensor, and a control unit determines a solar radiation condition such as a solar radiation amount and a solar radiation direction in the passenger compartment based on the surface temperature detected by the infrared rays sensor. The control unit controls operation of an operation member such as an air mixing door, based on the determined solar radiation condition. Thus, uncomfortable feeling given to the passenger can be reduced regardless of the solar radiation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tomita
  • Patent number: 7134291
    Abstract: The invention is a process for determining the charge level of a vapor cycle environmental control system, having a condenser, evaporator, and an expansion valve, comprising the steps of providing a neural network having four input neurons, two hidden neurons and one output neurons; determining the number of degrees below the saturation temperature of the liquid refrigerant exiting the condenser and providing this measurement to the first input neuron; sensing the condenser sink temperature and providing the measurement to the second input neuron; sensing either the refrigerant outlet temperature from the condenser or the evaporator exhaust air temperature and providing the measurement to the third input neuron, sensing the evaporator inlet temperature and providing the measurement to the fourth input neuron; and using the trained neural network to monitor the charge level in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher J. Horan, William J. Stasi
  • Patent number: 7114343
    Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7111469
    Abstract: The invention is a process for determining the charge level of a vapor cycle environmental control system, having a condenser, evaporator, and an expansion valve, comprising the steps of providing a neural network having four input neurons, two hidden neurons and three output neurons; determining the number of degrees below the saturation temperature of the liquid refrigerant: exiting the condenser and providing this measurement to the first input neuron; sensing the condenser sink temperature and providing the measurement to the second input neuron; sensing either the refrigerant outlet temperature from the condenser or the evaporator exhaust air temperature and providing the measurement to the third input neuron, sensing the evaporator inlet temperature and providing the measurement to the fourth input neuron; and using the trained neural network to monitor the charge level in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher J. Horan, William J. Stasi
  • Patent number: 7111470
    Abstract: A variable evaporator control system and method in a gas dryer for maximizing the cooling which can be accomplished for a given length heat exchanger by adjusting the evaporator refrigerant approach temperature responsive to changes in the gas load on the system. Pressure and/or temperature sensors positioned at particular locations in the system provide feedback for controlling adjustments in the approach temperature depending on the gas load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Brian W. Pritchard, Mark F. Honath, Timothy J. Fox
  • Patent number: 7080521
    Abstract: A mobile refrigeration system that includes an engine that is operable at a first speed greater than zero and a second speed greater than zero. A compressor is operable in response to the engine at a first speed and a second speed. The system also includes an evaporator, a first temperature sensor positioned to measure a first temperature, and a second temperature sensor positioned to measure a second temperature. A controller is operable to transition the engine between the first speed and the second speed in response to the first temperature exceeding a first predetermined value and the second temperature falling below a second predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley M. Ludwig, Doug Lenz, Darrell Storlie, Steve Helgeson, Brian Meagher, Gary Connolly
  • Patent number: 7010929
    Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kelix Heat Transfer Systems, LLC
    Inventor: John Kidwell
  • Patent number: 6966498
    Abstract: A vehicle climate control is compensated for direct and indirect infrared heat loading due to solar radiation based on a mean radiant temperature sensor and a cabin air temperature sensor. The mean radiant temperature sensor include a temperature responsive element such as a thermistor enclosed in a hollow spherical housing that blocks visible light but absorbs infrared radiation. The difference between the mean radiant temperature and the cabin air temperature provides a measure of the total infrared heat loading on the cabin and is used to increase the cooling capacity of the climate control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lin-Jie Huang, Prasad Shripad Kadle
  • Patent number: 6957545
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus preferentially ventilates a space close to a seat and/or a steering wheel on which a passenger directly makes a contact in a passenger compartment while a vehicle is parked. The uncomfortable feeling of a passenger that might occur when he/she is getting into the parked vehicle can be reduced using a small capacity in the air conditioning as compared to the air conditioning apparatus ventilating the whole space in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Aoki
  • Patent number: 6907743
    Abstract: Method for controlling and optimising the cycle for production of ice cream depending on the mixtures used in the ice-cream making machine, comprising a freezing cylinder exchanging heat with the evaporator of a refrigerating circuit, and a stirrer/scraper element rotating inside said freezing cylinder and actuated by a suitable electric motor, and further comprising a processing element, sensors for detecting continuously the temperature values of the refrigerating gas at the inlet and at the outlet of the evaporator and means for detecting continuously the value of the electric power used by the motor, said temperature values and said values for the electric power used by the motor being continuously input into said processing element; a software program in said processor for processing said values being able to provide an output signal which drives an impulse solenoid valve which introduces continuously the hot gases removed from the exhaust of the compressor into the main stream of refrigerating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A. - Carpigiani Group
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Patent number: 6871509
    Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed which takes advantage of low ambient temperature conditions so as to activate a refrigerant flow that bypasses the compressor. The activation of the refrigerant flow is achieved by the intelligent control of a pump positioned between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of an expansion device upstream of the evaporator. The refrigerant flow produced by the pump does not require any particular positioning of the condenser and evaporator components with respect to each other. The evaporator preferably absorbs heat from water circulating in a secondary loop which is used to remove heat from a building by one or more fan coil units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michel K. Grabon, Xavier Girod, Kenneth J. Nieva, Philippe Rigal
  • Patent number: 6817199
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling a room configured to house a plurality of computer systems. A heat exchanger unit is configured to receive air from the room and to deliver air to the room. The heat exchanger unit is supplied with cooling fluid operable to cool the received air in the heat exchanger unit. At least one of the temperature of the cooling fluid supplied to the heat exchanger unit and the air delivery to the room may be controlled in response to temperatures sensed at one or more locations in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chandrakant D. Patel, Cullen E. Bash
  • Patent number: 6796137
    Abstract: The invention proposes an air conditioning system for motor vehicles which is fitted with an injection computer and an electronic control device. The system comprises a first measuring member suitable for supplying a value relating to the pressure of the fluid at a first point in the air conditioning circuit which is situated between the outlet of the expansion member and the outlet of the evaporator, and a second measuring member suitable for supplying a value relating to the pressure of the fluid at a second point in the air conditioning circuit which is situated at the inlet to the compressor. The electronic control device makes use of the solution of an equation which relates the mass flow rate of the refrigerant fluid to the difference in pressure between the first point and the second point in order to calculate an estimate of a magnitude relating to the refrigerant fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventors: Jin Ming Liu, Emmanuel Mace, Mohamed Ben Yahia
  • Patent number: 6766651
    Abstract: A user-programmable monitoring and dispensing system for controlling the dispensing of water vapor and various other media into an HVAC air stream in residential or commercial structures. The various media to be dispensed are preferably water-soluble, and mixed with the system water supply to be dispensed with the water vapor added to the HVAC air stream. These materials may be fragrances or aromas, intended to produce an aesthetic effect, or they can be agents capable of pesticidal, bacteriacidal, fungicidal or sporacidal effect for use as acute or prophylactic treatment for infestation. The dispensing system central processor is pre-programmed with a default concentration algorithm for each media to be dispensed. The concentration of media in aqueous solution is initially controlled by this default algorithm at each of several concentration levels, from lowest to highest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Dillenback
  • Publication number: 20040107713
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus preferentially ventilates a space close to a seat and/or a steering wheel on which a passenger directly makes a contact in a passenger compartment while a vehicle is parked. The uncomfortable feeling of a passenger that might occur when he/she is getting into the parked vehicle can be reduced using a small capacity in the air conditioning as compared to the air conditioning apparatus ventilating the whole space in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Shinji Aoki
  • Publication number: 20040107714
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising at least one chamber and a temperature adjuster adjusting an temperature inside the chamber, further comprising a first temperature sensor approximately sensing the temperature inside the chamber, a second temperature sensor spaced from the first temperature sensor so as to sense the real temperature inside the chamber; and a controller controlling the temperature adjuster according to the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor when the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is within predetermined temperature limits of the chamber and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is not. With this configuration, the temperature inside the chamber is effectively controlled by an accurate and prompt sensing operation. Though one of the first and second temperature sensors is abnormal, it is possible to replace or repair the abnormal temperature sensor, or to control the temperature adjuster by the other normal temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Sung-Ho Cho, Kyoung-Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20040103674
    Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerator having a variable speed compressor and at least two compartments (FR, FZ) cooled to respective temperatures and comprising sensor devices (TR, TZ) for generating control signal responsive to cooling demands of the respective compartments comprises the step of providing the control system with a signal indicative of the total cooling demand on the basis of the sum of each compartment cooling demand, such signal being used to drive the variable speed compressor according to said total cooling demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Alessandro Boer, Raffaele Paganini, Rocco Petrigliano
  • Publication number: 20040093879
    Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a valve, and an evaporator coil, all of which are in fluid communication. The refrigeration system further including a fixture adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, a system controller operable to control operation of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller being operable to monitor at least one parameter of a subsystem having at least one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and fixture, and being further operable to execute a command from the system controller to affect the operation of the subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norman E. Street, Ted W. Sunderland, Charles D. Thomas, Doron Shapiro, Michael J. D'Anna, Dennis Doerr
  • Publication number: 20040089011
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling a room configured to house a plurality of computer systems. A heat exchanger unit is configured to receive air from the room and to deliver air to the room. The heat exchanger unit is supplied with cooling fluid operable to cool the received air in the heat exchanger unit. At least one of the temperature of the cooling fluid supplied to the heat exchanger unit and the air delivery to the room may be controlled in response to temperatures sensed at one or more locations in the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Chandrakant D. Patel, Cullen E. Bash
  • Publication number: 20040079099
    Abstract: when a front-passenger seat occupant detecting sensor indicates absence of an occupant in a front-passenger seat, an air conditioning control ECU adjusts a temperature measurement measured with a non-contacting temperature sensor for measuring a surface temperature of the occupant in the front-passenger seat and controls air conditioning state around the front-passenger seat based on the adjusted temperature measurement associated with the front-passenger seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Tatsumi Kumada, Yoshinori Ichishi, Tatsuya Ito
  • Patent number: 6711906
    Abstract: A variable evaporator control system and method in a gas dryer for maximizing the cooling which can be accomplished for a given length heat exchanger by adjusting the evaporator refrigerant approach temperature responsive to changes in the gas load on the system. Pressure and/or temperature sensors positioned at particular locations in the system provide feedback for controlling adjustments in the approach temperature depending on the gas load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hankison International
    Inventors: Brian W. Pritchard, Mark F. Honath, Timothy J. Fox
  • Patent number: 6708508
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of refrigerant level monitoring in a refrigerant circuit of an air-conditioning or heat-pump system having a compressor and a refrigerant which may, depending on the operating point, be operated in the supercritical range. The method includes standstill level monitoring with the compressor switched off and/or in-operation level monitoring with the compressor switched on. In the case of in-operation level monitoring, the refrigerant overheat (dTü) at the evaporator is registered and, in the event of excessive overheat, it is concluded that there is underfilling. At a standstill, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are registered, and it is concluded that there is an improper refrigerant filling level if the pressure (pKM) lies below a minimum pressure value (pmin) or the temperature (TKM) lies above a maximum saturation temperature value (TS) with the pressure being outside a predefinable intended pressure range ([pu,po]).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Walter Demuth, Rainer Heilig, Volker Kirschner, Martin Kotsch, Hans-Joachim Krauss, Hagen Mittelstrass, Harald Raiser, Michael Sickelmann, Karl-Heinz Staffa, Christoph Walter
  • Publication number: 20040035568
    Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system improves a passenger's sensation of cooling by preventing air blown from a foot opening when a cooling load is low, creating a comfortable temperature distribution along the passenger's body. The vehicle air-conditioning system automatically selects a face mode when a target air temperature (TAO) is between a first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature, which is higher than the first predetermined temperature, a bi-level mode when the TAO is higher than the first predetermined temperature and an evaporator air temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, or a face mode when the TAO is lower than the first predetermined temperature and the evaporator air temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Naoki Katou, Shinichi Yoshida, Makoto Mimoto
  • Patent number: 6694222
    Abstract: A non-linear control method for an air conditioning system utilizes fuzzy logic to regulate the activation of a displacement control valve for a variable displacement compressor for maintaining a system parameter, such as the evaporator outlet pressure or temperature, at a desired value. The control inputs include the system parameter to be controlled and a refrigerant pressure that reflects changes in the compressor displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Michael Kelly, John M. Kirchberger, Ernesto Jose Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6629423
    Abstract: A refrigerant circulating passage is provided in a bottom electrode in a processing chamber of an etching system. A refrigerant CW1 is fed from a refrigerant tank to the passage via a refrigerant supply pipe. The refrigerant is cooled in a cooler via a refrigerant pipe and is returned to the refrigerant tank. Temperature sensors provided in the refrigerant supply pipe and refrigerant discharge pipe, detect a feed temperature, an inlet temperature, an outlet temperature and a return temperature, respectively. A target differential value is derived from the heat quantity of a wafer. During processing, the temperature of the refrigerant CW1 is controlled, permitting an actual differential value between the inlet and outlet temperatures follow the target differential value which in turn permits the return temperature to follow a target return temperature which is obtained by subtracting the target differential value from a set temperature of the wafer W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takaaki Hirooka, Masao Furuya
  • Publication number: 20030172662
    Abstract: A selectively controllable valve is arranged in a refrigeration circuit which interconnects the evaporator and the condenser and is controlled so that a pressure differential is built up across the valve. The valve is selectively opened to allow “batches” of working fluid to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the working fluid which is allowed to pass through the valve, is heated in a chamber to increase the amount of pressure on the downstream side of the valve. This produces expanded pressurized working fluid which increases the pressure in the condenser and forces previously condensed and liquefied working fluid through a flow restricting transfer device into an evaporator. Condensation of the just heated gas in the condenser subsequently reduces the pressure on the downstream side of the valve and establishes conditions suitable for the passage of a further amount of gaseous working fluid while itself becoming liquid to be forced through the flow restricting transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: VENTURE SCIENTIFICS LLC
    Inventor: Otto R. Butsch
  • Publication number: 20030164000
    Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner with an automatic air-conditioning control, when a change operation of a set temperature is not performed by a passenger while air conditioning control is performed based on the set temperature in one region of environment condition, it is determined that the one region is a region corresponding to a passenger's preference. Accordingly, even if the change operation of the set temperature is not performed, when the region is stored once for the air conditioning control, the region is used as a learned region. Further, when the change operation of the set temperature is performed in an another region, a correction of the set temperature of the learned region is restricted. Thus, it can restrict the set temperature of a region, which is satisfied by the passenger from being changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Akira Ohga, Takayoshi Kawai, Yuichi Kajino, Yoshinori Ichishi, Tatsumi Kumada
  • Patent number: 6591622
    Abstract: A method and device (18) to control the temperature T in a refrigerator or freezer cabinet (10), which keep a set temperature in a space (12) in the cabinet. The space is refrigerated by an element (14) of an intermittently operating refrigerating machine (16). The refrigerator cabinet has a control gear (18), which consists of a first means (20) and a second means (22), a third means (24) and a fourth means (26). The first means is situated at the refrigerating element, which is placed in the space, and it measures a regulating temperature. The second means is arranged at a reference point in the space, and it measures a current temperature in the space. The third means compiles an average temperature of the current temperatures. The forth means compiles a discrepancy between the average temperature and a preset temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Dometic Appliances AB
    Inventors: George Gherman, Johnny Kornelind