By External Cooled Gas Patents (Class 62/229)
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Patent number: 6435273Abstract: A device for air temperature control in a vehicle has a unit forming a first circuit for circulation of an coolant, a unit forming a second circuit for circulation of a refrigerant, a unit for connecting the first circuit with an engine for heating the coolant, a unit for providing a heat exchange between the second circuit and the first circuit for cooling the coolant, a single air temperature regulating element, and a unit for alternatively connecting the first a unit to the air temperature regulating element so that when the coolant is heated from the engine and supplied through the first a unit the air temperature regulating element heats air in the vehicle, or connecting the second a unit with the common air temperature regulating element so that when the coolant in the first circuit is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant of the second circuit and the cooled coolant is supplied to the air temperature regulating element to cool air in the vehicle, and a heat exchanger which provides a heat exchanType: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Vladlen Futernik
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Patent number: 6430951Abstract: The evaporator and the condenser are disposed in a duct. First bypass passage is disposed at the side of the condenser and first air mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Further second bypass passage is formed at the side of the evaporator and second mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Cooling rate at the evaporator and heating rate at the condenser are varied so that air adjusted in proper temperature is generated and discharged from each outlets into a room. An outside heat exchanger is disposed the outside of the duct. Refrigerant flow is randomly switched among the outside heat exchanger, the evaporator and the condenser so that cooling, heating, dehumidifying, dehumidified-heating and defrosting operations are performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki
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Patent number: 6427472Abstract: There is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle, which comprises a refrigerating cycle having a compressor (20), a water cooling cycle formed by a radiator (36) and a heat storage tank (50), which are switched by passage switching valves (46) and (48), and a water heating cycle formed by a heater core (38) and the heat storage tank (50).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadashi Nakagawa, Takayoshi Matsuno
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Patent number: 6418749Abstract: A brine cooling apparatus is provided which addresses an environmental problem by not contributing to global warming and can prevent brine from freezing within a heat exchanger. The apparatus is structured such that a screw compressor, a condenser, a main expansion valve and an evaporator are connected by a pipe so as to cool brine flowing through the evaporator. The refrigerant is an ammonia refrigerant, the evaporator is a plate type heat exchanger constructed by laying a plural sheets of plates, and capacity control means is provided in such a manner as to control a capacity of the screw compressor in accordance with the flow amount of the brine.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshifumi Ichikawa, Tsuneji Morohoshi
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Publication number: 20020088241Abstract: An electric compressor includes a motor and a compression mechanism that is driven by the motor. The compressor forms part of the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. A control apparatus of the compressor adjusts the rotation speed of the motor for controlling the amount of compressed refrigerant gas discharged from the compression mechanism, or the displacement of the compressor, per unit time. When the energy efficiency of the motor is lower than a predetermined level, the control apparatus performs on-off control by alternately turning off the motor. During the on-off control, a required amount of refrigerant gas discharged per unit time is obtained, and the energy efficiency of the motor in the on time is higher than the predetermined level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2002Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Ken Suitou, Yasuharu Odachi, Kazuya Kimura, Masahiro Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 6412294Abstract: A variable displacement compressor air conditions a compartment and includes a suction chamber, a discharge chamber and a crank chamber. A controller controls the pressure in the crank chamber to vary the compressor displacement. Two pressure monitoring points are located in a refrigerant circuit. The pressure in the crank chamber is controlled by a control valve. The control valve operates based on the pressure difference between the monitoring points such that a target pressure difference is maintained. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the compartment. A detection circuit compares the monitored temperature with reference values. When the monitored temperature surpasses one reference value or falls below another, the detection circuit outputs a detection signal. When receiving the detection signal, a pressure difference changer gradually increases or decreases the target value of the pressure differences accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuya Kimura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Ken Suitou, Ryo Matsubara
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Patent number: 6401469Abstract: A two stage compressor which provides a high capacity stage and a low capacity stage is used with multiple evaporator condensing units. A control system for controlling the compressor receives inputs from two indoor locations via thermostats. The compressor runs in the low capacity stage when cooling is called for from only one of the thermostats, but runs in the high capacity stage when cooling is called for from both of the thermostats. The control system controls the transition of the compressor from the low capacity stage to the high capacity stage, and from the high capacity stage to the low capacity stage.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Richard D. Dennis, Stephen C. Pederson
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Adaptive control for a refrigeration system using pulse width modulated duty cycle scroll compressor
Patent number: 6393852Abstract: A refrigeration compressor control system includes a controller coupled to a load sensor to produce a variable duty cycle control signal that is a function of demand for cooling. The controller includes a module for establishing a fixed or variable cycle time for the variable duty cycle control signal. The controller is coupled to a compressor to cause the compressor to selectively alternate between first and second states in response to the variable duty cycle control signal, thereby adjusting the capacity of the compressor to the demand for cooling while the compressor is energized.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Copeland CorporationInventors: Hung M. Pham, Abtar Singh, Jean-Luc M. Caillat, Mark Bass -
Patent number: 6385982Abstract: An air-conditioning system with a refrigerant circulation circuit, which has improved control precision for maintaining a compartment temperature and improved response characteristics. The refrigerant circulation circuit includes a variable displacement type compressor, the discharge capacity of which is controlled by a control valve. The control valve detects a differential pressure between two pressure monitoring points in the refrigerant circulation circuit as an index for estimating the refrigerant discharge capacity of the variable displacement type compressor and performs feedback control of the discharge capacity of the compressor such that the differential pressure converges to a set differential pressure. A controller determines or recomputes the set differential pressure based on information from a mode switching unit or an air-flow-rate switch and instructs the control valve to change the set differential pressure accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Masaki Ota, Ken Suitou, Ryo Matsubara, Taku Adaniya
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Publication number: 20020026804Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a refrigerator comprising a main body formed with a storage compartment accommodating therein food, a door opening and closing the storage compartment, a temperature sensor provided within the main body, detecting a temperature thereof, and a cooling means provided in the main body, cooling the storage compartment, comprising the steps of establishing a control temperature of the temperature sensor to correspond to the temperature of the storage compartment; and continuously operating the cooling means until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the control temperature at an initial operation state. With this configuration, because the compressor is continuously operated until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the control temperature, the rate of cooling the stored food is enhanced and at the same time a desired storage temperature is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventors: Kyoung-Tae Kim, Hee-soo Lee
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Patent number: 6351960Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for protecting a motor of an inverter refrigerator comprising an OLP detect unit detecting operation of an OLP, and a power select unit selecting a power feed line in accordance with a detect signal inputted from the OLP detect unit, which is capable of driving properly the OLP in order to prevent damages on the motor due to overload or a rise in temperature of the motor with hysteresis of the OLP operation by preventing cutting off of the power feeding to a CPU when the OLP operates, accordingly the present invention can decrease claims from customers.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Hyeon Jae Shin
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Publication number: 20020011522Abstract: A method and apparatus for manifesting the time-temperature history of a perishable object includes the providing the object with a substrate having layer that is comprised of a volatile component and at least one other component, where the volatile component has an evaporation rate related to time and temperature. The teachings herein include allowing the volatile component to evaporate, causing a color change with the remaining component that reflects a time-temperature history of the object. The other component may include a lactone dye or crystal violet lactone, The layer may include poly-p-(hydroxystyrene), ethanol, crystal violet lactone and N-methyl pyrrolidinone, or may include poly-p-(hydroxystyrene), ethanol, crystal violet lactone, ammonia, N-methyl pyrrolidinone, and formaldehyde. A barrier may be provided to control the removal of the volatile component, and at least one chromophore may be provided to bias the layer so as to reduce an amount of time required before the color change is detectable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventor: Nabil M. Lawandy
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Patent number: 6336335Abstract: An engine control apparatus of a vehicle having an air conditioner that has a variable displacement compressor is disclosed. The pressure difference between two points in a refrigeration circuit is monitored. The pressure difference represents the compressor displacement. The compressor is controlled by a control valve. The control valve operates based on the pressure difference. A controller compares the temperature of the passenger compartment with a temperature setting. If they differ, the controller determines a target pressure difference for the control valve. The controller computes the compressor torque based on the target pressure difference signal. The controller determines a target engine torque based on the compressor torque and controls the engine based on the target engine torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Masaki Ota, Kazuya Kimura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Ken Suitou, Ryo Matsubara, Hirotaka Kurakake
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Publication number: 20010045100Abstract: In a method for driving an output stage by pulse-width modulation, which driving serves to supply a unit cooling the output stage during operation, at a higher temperature of the output stage a style of driving is performed which results in a low power loss in the output stage. At a lower temperature of the output stage driving is performed in such a way that the power loss is higher.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventor: Wolfgang Bay
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Patent number: 6321545Abstract: An improved control apparatus for a vehicle air conditioning system controls a variable displacement compressor. The discharge capacity of the compressor is changed by changing the difference between the pressure in the crank chamber and the suction pressure. The difference between the pressure in the crank chamber and the pressure of the suction chamber is maintained at a set value. A target value is determined based on the temperature of the passenger compartment. The target value is corrected based on the rotational speed of the engine driving the compressor, which is detected. The set value is determined by the corrected target value.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Masaki Ota, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Tomoji Tarutani, Taku Adaniya
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Publication number: 20010039806Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioning system, a non-contact temperature sensor having plural temperature detecting elements is disposed to detect a predetermined region within a passenger compartment. The plural temperature detecting elements are constructed by plural first elements each of which has a smaller temperature detecting area in the predetermined region, and plural second elements each of which has a larger temperature detecting area in the predetermined region. The non-contact temperature sensor detects an area, where a detail temperature-distribution information is necessary, using the first elements, and detects an area, where the detail temperature-distribution information is unnecessary, using the second elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Takayoshi Kawai, Toshifumi Kamiya, Akira Ohga, Hiroshi Ando, Yuichi Kajino, Hiroyuki Tarumi, Katsuyoshi Nishii
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Publication number: 20010037655Abstract: A refrigerator or freezer includes a compressor with an electrical drive motor. The drive motor is activated by a rotational speed controller. The compressor is connected to a cooling medium circuit which contains a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion means arranged therebetween. The cooling device comprises a cooling space closable with a door as well as a temperature control for the cooling space. The rotational speed controller and the temperature control are grouped together to a constructional unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventor: Jan Caroe Aarestrup
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Patent number: 6293116Abstract: An improved vehicle climate control system in which the passenger compartment temperature and humidity are controlled without requiring a humidity sensor. The control is based on the recognition that the air temperature at the evaporator outlet represents the dew point of the air supplied to the passenger compartment, and may be specified based on the desired passenger compartment air temperature to achieve a desired relative humidity in the vehicle once the desired passenger compartment temperature has been achieved. In a first mechanization, the desired relative humidity is predetermined, and the corresponding values of evaporator outlet air temperature are determined as a function of the desired passenger compartment temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Oliver Forrest, Elliott D. Keen, Mohinder Singh Bhatti
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Patent number: 6293118Abstract: A temperature sensor fixing apparatus of an air conditioner constructed with a temperature sensor being inserted between a vaporizing unit and a front panel for detecting the temperature of room air infused through a suction inlet of the front panel, the apparatus including a sensor holder integrally protruded at one side of the suction inlet of the front panel for fixing a temperature sensor apart at a predetermined distance from the vaporizing unit and being positioned in the middle of the vaporizing unit, thereby eliminating additional molding cost for manufacturing a separate sensor holder, preventing any contact from being made between sensor holder and vaporizing unit to avoid any deformation of the vaporizing unit for a defective product and preventing the temperature sensor from functioning its false operations by getting in contact with the vaporizing unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong-Rog Oh
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Patent number: 6289684Abstract: An extended, box-like, metal, industrial size, insulated container (1/101, two embodiments disclosed, FIGS. 1-1G & FIGS. 2A-2D) including a rigid, structural framework (12/13) for safely and reliably transporting and/or storing relatively large quantities of temperature sensitive items (food, medical supplies, ice, human corpses, etc.) over a long distance (e.g., from an on-shore food center to an offshore platform) and/or for a substantial period of time (7+days), useful for such delivery/storage and in emergencies, disasters, etc. The container includes at its ends a structurally protected, enclosed equipment section (2/102), which includes all operating machinery (e.g. compressor, motor, fuel tank, control mechanisms, etc., in isolated sub-compartments) and associated equipment, and a freezer/cooler section (3/103A-103B) for the temperature sensitive items. The second embodiment includes two, separate, freezer and cooler sections (103A/103B) with separate, side doors (105A/105B).Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventors: John L. Guidry, II, Kevin L. Morales
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Patent number: 6282910Abstract: An air-handler includes an AC induction motor that drives a blower to move air across a heat exchanger. A switch system selectively determines whether the blower motor operates at its rated full speed or at a reduced speed. For full speed operation, the switch system couples an AC supply at a nominal line frequency directly to the blower motor and bypasses an inverter. For reduced speed operation, the switch system couples a lower frequency output of the inverter to the blower motor. The blower is operated at a reduced speed during a pre-run dehumidification mode, a post-run heat recovery mode, and/or an electronic air-cleaning mode. The switch system allows the rated current capacity of the inverter to be substantially less that the rated full load current of the blower motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: American Standard International Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Helt
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Patent number: 6269650Abstract: A system and method of control of refrigerant air conditioning including a humidity input sensor, and a coolant velocity sensor, using a control system set with a set point whereby to maintain a maximum evaporator temperature set point varying to suit each heat and moisture load condition over a range of conditions compatible with high engineering standards of performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: Allan Shaw
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Patent number: 6260363Abstract: A temperature sensor is disposed to sense refrigerant temperature discharging from the evaporator of a vehicle air conditioning system. The temperature is averaged over the sampling interval and is inputted to an electronic controller. The controller computes the temperature set points from a lookup table based upon blower speed and blend door settings and cycles the compressor if the averaged temperature is outside the set points.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Liang L. Ye, David L. Martin
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Patent number: 6253566Abstract: A brine cooling apparatus is provided which addresses to an environmental problem by not contributing to global warming and can prevent brine from freezing within a heat exchange. The apparatus is structured such that a screw compressor, a condenser, a main expansion valve and an evaporator are connected by a pipe so as to cool brine flowing through the evaporator. The refrigerant is an ammonia refrigerant, the evaporator is a plate type heat exchanger constructed by laying a plural sheets of plates, and capacity control means is provided in such a manner as to control a capacity of the screw compressor in accordance with the flow amount of the brine.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshifumi Ichikawa, Tsuneji Morohoshi
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Patent number: 6250092Abstract: An actuator is provided for controlling temperatures in a multiple compartment device wherein the actuator includes a housing and a linear oscillator disposed within the housing. The linear oscillator is coupled with an integral push rod, wherein the linear oscillator is adapted to reciprocably move the push rod along its longitudinal axis. In addition, the actuator includes a holder including a rigid member and a pin aperture. The sliding member has a knob on one end and first clip connector at an other end, the sliding member having a range of motion limited by the rigid member. The push rod has a second clip connector coupled to the first clip connector. A lever arm has a first end and a second end, the first end including a protruding member and the second end including a lever arm aperture and a lever arm pin. The knob is pivotably engaged with the lever arm aperture and the lever arm pin is pivotably engaged with the pin aperture. The protruding member is adapted to pivotably couple with the damper.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Douglas C. Lanz, Robert W. Starenchak
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Patent number: 6244061Abstract: When inverter control is implemented in a refrigerator or the like, the rotating speed of a compressor motor is often operated at the preset minimum rotating speed. At this time, there has been a problem that when the DC voltage is boosted, the efficiency of the circuit drops due to switching loss in the power element. Still more, when the DC voltage is boosted even at the minimum rotating speed, the lowest voltage of the DC voltage must be controlled at 163 V or more including the fluctuation of the voltage. Therefore, there has been a problem in that the efficiency of the compressor motor also drops.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Takagi, Makoto Ishii, Noriaki Arakawa, Takeshi Wakatabe, Hideki Yoshida, Hideyuki Nakamura, Hideo Kumakura
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Patent number: 6220045Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the operating speed of a compressor of an inverter refrigerator. In an apparatus or method embodying the present invention, one knows the operating speeds which will cause the compressor to experience resonant vibrations. When it is necessary to change from a first operating frequency to a second operating frequency, and a resonant frequency band is located between the first and second frequencies, the controller will accelerate the rate of change of the operating frequency as it passes through the resonant frequency band to minimize the amount of time that the compressor is operating within the resonant frequency band.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Yong Tae Kim
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Patent number: 6209335Abstract: Enhanced controls added to conventional heating and air conditioning equipment provides a uniform comfort environment though out the structure. Enhanced control module monitors variously placed sensors within the structure and activates a conventional fan. The fan mixes air throughout the structure maintaining a uniform comfort though out economically.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: David J Nowaczyk
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Patent number: 6189325Abstract: An air conditioning system (10) for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle having a windscreen comprises a first heat exchanger (14) positionable outside the passenger compartment; a second heat exchanger (18) positionable inside the passenger compartment; an expansion device (16) positioned in a first fluid passage (22) between the heat exchangers; an electronically controlled variable stroke compressor (12) for pumping fluid into the second fluid passage and either in a first direction (X) or in a second direction (Y); reverse flow means (32) in the second fluid passage for controlling the direction of the flow of fluid; first sensing means (36, 40) providing a first output signal indicative of the dewpoint temperature of the air leaving the second heat exchanger; second sensing means (53; 44,46,48) providing a second output signal indicative of the temperature of the windscreen; and control means (26,30) electrically connected to the first and second sensing means and to the compressor for receiving thType: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Renault S.A.Inventors: Laurent Pittion, John F. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6185947Abstract: An air conditioning system (10) for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprises a first heat exchanger (14) positionable outside the passenger compartment; a second heat exchanger (18) positionable inside the passenger compartment; an expansion device (16) positioned in a first fluid passage (22) between the heat exchangers; an electronically controlled variable stroke compressor (12) for pumping fluid into the second fluid passage and either in a first direction (X) or in a second direction (Y); reverse flow means (32) in the second fluid passage for controlling the direction of the flow of fluid; first sensing means (36) providing a first output signal indicative of the actual temperature of the air leaving the second heat exchanger; second sensing means (40) providing a second output signal indicative of the humidity of the air leaving the second heat exchanger; third sensing means (46) providing a third output signal indicative of the temperature of the air in the passenger compartment; and contrType: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Renault S.A.Inventors: Laurent Pittion, John F. O'Brien, Jean-Luc Menager
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Patent number: 6138468Abstract: A variable displacement compressor in a refrigeration circuit using carbon dioxide refrigerant. The compressor changes the inclination of a swash plate located in a control chamber in accordance with the difference between the pressure in the control chamber and the pressure in a suction chamber thereby varying the compressor displacement. The compressor includes a control valve that adjusts the difference between the pressure in the control chamber and the pressure in the suction pressure. The control valve controls the flow rate of refrigerant supplied from the discharge chamber to the control chamber thereby adjusting the pressure difference. A controller inputs information from the outside of the refrigeration circuit. The outside information includes the outside temperature, the temperature of a passenger compartment and a target compartment temperature set by a temperature adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Naoya Yokomachi, Yoshiyuki Nakane, Tatsuya Koide, Toshiro Fujii
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Patent number: 6138465Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the temperature of a refrigeration unit (1) with a refrigerating compartment (3), a freezing compartment (2) and a common evaporator (4) of a cooling circuit, and a corresponding temperature control arrangement. In a first mode (normal operation) the compressor (5) of the cooling circuit is turned ON when cooling is required and turned OFF when cooling is not required, in dependence of the refrigerating compartment temperature (T.sub.2). In a second mode, in spite of no cooling requirement in the refrigerating compartment (3), the compressor (5) is forced ON for a predetermined operating time (t.sub.1), when the OFF-time of the compressor has exceeded a threshold value (t.sub.2). The forced turning ON is repeated as often as the OFF-time exceeds the threshold value. A return to the first mode occurs as soon as the refrigerating compartment (3) requires cooling.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventors: Hans Erik Fogh, Hans Christiansen
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Patent number: 6134901Abstract: The invention concerns a method for speed control of a compressor, particularly a refrigeration compressor, and a control arrangement using this method. The speed control is effected in that a control arrangement varies the speed of an electric motor in dependence of simple ON/OFF signals from a thermostat placed in the surroundings to be cooled. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the starting speed of the compressor in a following ON period is reduced in relation to the final speed in the previous ON period. A continuous reduction of the starting speed of each ON period results in a self-regulating control giving long compressor operation times and an averagely low speed resulting in energy savings. A control arrangement using this method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbHInventors: Nils-Ole Harvest, Jan Aarestrup
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Air conditioning installation with an external temperature estimator, especially for a motor vehicle
Patent number: 6123146Abstract: A motor vehicle air conditioning installation has a cold loop, a hot loop, a sensor for measuring cabin temperature, a manual setting unit for setting demand values of cabin air parameters, and a control unit for defining the resulting required adjustments to be made to the various components of the cold and hot loops. The control unit includes a temperature estimating module which generates an estimated value of the outside temperature, either from (a) the measured value of cabin temperature (in stabilized operation of the installation), or (b) a temperature value stored in a sub-memory of the control unit (when the installation is converging towards its stabilized mode).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Valeo ElectroniqueInventor: Dominique Dias -
Patent number: 6112807Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for preventing fogging of the windows of an automotive vehicle. The system and method operate the air conditioning system of the vehicle at temperatures where a high degree of probability of fogging exists. The method includes the steps of measuring the ambient temperature, the evaporator core temperature and operating the air conditioning compressor at specific duty cycles depending upon these temperatures. The duty cycle will be determined based upon these temperature variables as well as the relative humidity within the passenger cabin of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Gerhard Allan Dage
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Patent number: 6095427Abstract: A method for efficiently maintaining the temperature of fluid in a conditioned space at a predetermined set point temperature, the method comprising the steps of: (a) operating the temperature control system in a first operating mode; (b) sensing the temperature of the conditioned space fluid; (c) calculating the Integral Error of the temperature of the conditioned space fluid; and (d) if the Integral Error equals or exceeds a predetermined Integral Error threshold value for the first operating mode, switching the unit to a second operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Stanley O. Hoium, Peter W. Freund
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Patent number: 6078243Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventors: Gregory Barnes, Jon Skekloff, David D. Martin, Douglas Ray
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Patent number: 6073456Abstract: An air-conditioning device includes a control system for saving fuel consumed to drive the device and for enhancing comfortability of passengers at the same time. The air-conditioning device is operated under a cooling mode emphasizing comfortability or under an economy mode emphasizing fuel economy. Under the cooling mode, the device is controlled in a lower temperature range. Under the economy mode, the device is controlled in an intermediate temperature range to secure comfortability when cooling-down is required, and in a higher temperature range to save fuel after the cooling-down has been completed. Information on vehicle speed may be used in the control under the economy mode. The device may be turned off or controlled in a higher temperature range to save fuel, especially when the vehicle comes to a halt.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayoshi Kawai, Hiroshi Nonoyama, Toshihiko Muraki, Yuji Takeo, Makoto Mimoto, Eizo Hayashi, Takayoshi Matsuno
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Patent number: 6044651Abstract: An process and method for monitoring and selectively implementing an operator selected economy mode in a transport refrigeration system is disclosed. The system includes a microprocessor control which, in response to operator selection of the economy mode, increases the base superheat setting, lowers the engine speed, limits the system current, and reduces the compressor capacity in order to optimize the fuel consumption of the system. The controller further monitors for the presence of an out of range alarm, and issues override commands reversing the superheat, compressor, current limit and engine speed economy mode settings at least until the out of range condition no longer exists.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: John Robert Reason, Joao Eduardo Navarro de Andrade
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Patent number: 6044652Abstract: This invention aims to provide more comfortable air-conditioning and save energy by exerting capacity of an air-conditioning system responsive to requested capacities from plural rooms through the following process: first, establish a refrigerating cycle for a multi-room air-conditioning system, second, obtain data from differential temperature calculation means, capacity storing means, ON-OFF recognition means and load constant storing means, then calculate a compressor's capacity at a predetermined cycle, and provide compressor capacity control means which controls the capacity of variable capacity compressor based on the calculation result, and also provide operating unit recognition means which recognizes a number of operating units through the ON-OFF recognition means, finally, change a method of controlling the compressor capacity depending on the number of operating units.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric IndustrialInventors: Yoshikazu Nishihara, Keiji Nakao, Hisao Kusuhara
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Patent number: 6041608Abstract: There is provided a cryogenic refrigerating apparatus capable of reducing a fluctuation range of refrigerating capacity as far as possible with respect to a wide range of change in outdoor temperature and performing stable refrigerating operation. This cryogenic refrigerating apparatus includes a compressor unit 101 which is installed outside a room and has a compressor 11 and a first air-cooling heat exchanger 12, an intermediate unit 103 which is installed inside a room and has a second air-cooling heat exchanger 31 for cooling gas from the compressor 11 through heat exchange with indoor air and a cryogenic expander 5.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Daikin Industriesm Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Fujiwara
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Patent number: 6009838Abstract: A hibernation enclosure comprising an insulated cabinet and a cooling device to effect cooling and maintain temperature therein at selected temperature values. A control unit is operatively connected to the cooling device having a thermostat for selectively switching the cooling device on and off according to preselected temperature values and the current temperature within the hibernation enclosure. The control unit is programmable, having a control panel to allow a user to program the hibernation length, and to program temperature values that may vary throughout the duration of the hibernation period in accordance with the needs of the particular caged reptile. The hibernation enclosure further comprises a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity for the hibernating reptile and a motion sensor located within the walls of the cabinet to detect movement by the caged animal in order to alert a caretaker that the hibernating reptile is withdrawing prematurely from the hibernation.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventors: Jae Carver, Kenneth Carver
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Patent number: 6006531Abstract: A refrigerator temperature control system includes a passageway for delivering a supply of cooling air from a freezer compartment to a fresh food compartment. A diverter member is positioned about the passageway in the freezer compartment for channeling the air through the passageway. A freezer compartment temperature sensor is routed from a temperature control unit in the fresh food compartment, through a bore formed in an insert which defines the air passageway, into a specialized chamber formed as part of the diverter member. The chamber is in fluid communication with the flow of air to the fresh food compartment through a bleed hole. To increase its surface area, the sensor is preferably coiled within the chamber and an insulation jacket extends about the sensor from within the fresh food compartment, with the insulation jacket creating a seal within the bore. In addition, a supporting sleeve extends about the sensor between the temperature control unit and the coiled portion of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Todd E. Pritts, Richard D. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 5996361Abstract: A control circuit for a refrigeration system disposed within an outer cabinet having a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment, a compressor, a condenser fan, an evaporator fan, an evaporator and a freezer thermostat disposed within the freezer compartment to sense temperature therein. Additionally, a fresh food thermostat is disposed within the fresh food compartment to sense temperature therein. A freezer thermostat switch is switched between an open state and a closed state in response to temperature signals generated from the freezer thermostat. A fresh food thermostat switch is switched between an open state and a closed state in response to temperature signals generated from the fresh food thermostat. An energy saver switch is disposed between the fresh food thermostat switch and a power source, which energy saver switch is switched between an open state and a closed state.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Warren Frank Bessler, Frank Joseph Bowden
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Patent number: 5987911Abstract: An air conditioner includes suction grill for sucking the air in a room, a front panel including an inlet port for sucking the air from the suction grill inside and a blowout port for blowing the air out into the room, a heat exchanger for working heat exchange of the air, and a blower for circulating the air, wherein a concave air passage for room temperature detection is formed on the front face of the front panel, and an air suction port for sucking air for room temperature detection is formed in suction grill at an opposite part to air passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuyuki Arai, Masaharu Miwa, Tetsuji Uchiyama, Yoshiaki Kuwahara, Kengo Takahashi
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Patent number: 5983655Abstract: A thermal storage monitoring and control system employed on a container refrigeration unit utilizes a "thermal flywheel" algorithm in combination with a data processor to control the temperature level within a cargo container to a maximum value. The thermal monitoring and control system operates the refrigeration system in a manner that causes the heat gain by the load during hot afternoons and evenings to be offset by the thermal storage built into the cargo. The monitoring and control system can be configured to operate automatically or manually.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: William Paul Kistner, J. Michael Griffin, August W. Gutheim
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Patent number: 5934089Abstract: When the vehicle stops, a target blowout temperature, a temperature after evaporator, and a predetermined temperature which has been preset are compared with each other. Accordingly, when it is judged that cooling capacity is maintained, a "start engine" demand is not outputted. When it is judged that cooling capacity is not obtained, a "start engine" demand is outputted. After a "start engine" demand has been outputted, even when cooling capacity is maintained, an engine is not stopped. As a result, fuel wastage and annoyance causing to passengers by the engine that keeps on starting up when the vehicle stops can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadashi Nakagawa, Takayoshi Matsuno
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Patent number: 5931010Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a temperature of a cooked food chilling chamber for quick refrigerating cooked food in a refrigerator, is disclosed. A system control section is provided with a load sensing signal of cook chill chamber from a cook chill chamber load sensing section in response to an operating of cook chill mode selecting key by a user. The system control section determines an operating time of a cook chill mode by controlling both a cool air supplying section and a cool air amount controlling section. The system control section stops the cook chill mode by controlling both the cool air supplying section and the cool air amount controlling section in accordance with a cook chill mode stopping key which is operated by the user. Accordingly, an inside temperature of the cook chill chamber is maintained within the range of the most appropriate temperature for keeping the cooked food fresh.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jee-Yong Kim
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Patent number: 5924296Abstract: An automobile air-conditioning apparatus in which the compressor torque of a variable capacity refrigerant compressor is estimated with improved accuracy. The compressor torque is measured on the basis of (1) high-side pressure of the refrigerating circuit directly influencing the compressor torque and (2) a control current value directly controlling the compressor. The accurately estimated compressor torque is then used to stabilize the speed of the vehicle engine driving the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Hiroshi Kishita, Kurato Yamasaki
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Patent number: 5924295Abstract: When power is supplied to a refrigerator, the refrigerator control system performs one of two different automatic refrigerator temperature setting operations, depending upon whether it is determined that the power is or is not being supplied following a temporary power failure. That determination is made by sensing an internal refrigerator temperature (i.e., a temperature of the cooling compartment and/or the freezing compartment), and providing a reference temperature based upon a sensed external atmosphere temperature. If the refrigerator temperature is less than the reference temperature, then it is assumed that the power is being supplied following a temporary power failure and an appropriate refrigerator temperature setting operation is performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Haejin Park