Time Or Program Actuator Patents (Class 62/231)
  • Publication number: 20020178740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a remote controller for the air conditioner, and aims at inhibiting a remote controller operation by a person other than a specific user. Therefore, the specific user previously operates an operation button 30 thereby inputting a set password 41 or the like with respect to a remote controller 1. A CPU 10 stores the input set password 41 or the like in a memory 40. When setting of the set password 41 or the like is carried out, the CPU 10 displays the purport that the remote controller is in a locked state on a display part 20. Even if a remote controller operation related to operation setting of the air conditioner is carried out, the CPU 10 invalidates the operation contents unless input of an input password or the like matching with the set password 41 or the like is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Hisashi Sumida, Mitsuhiko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6483695
    Abstract: The invention comprises a refrigerator-based, computer task controller and a corresponding method. The task controller includes a refrigerator with a refrigerator door which defines a recessed well in which a laptop sized computer is housed. The recessed well has a size and shape which complements and matches the corresponding size and shape of the laptop computer. An operator interacts with the computer which is located at standing height above ground level to command and direct the computer to perform one or more of a plurality of software controlled functional tasks, wherein each task is controlled by a software program associated with that task which is resident in the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley Hartstein
  • Publication number: 20020166332
    Abstract: An improved vehicle climate control system develops a fog factor indicative of the relative potential of windglass fogging, and uses the index to schedule offsets to normal control settings of the system. The air dewpoint temperature at the front windglass is estimated based on relative humidity and a reference temperature, and the fog factor is determined as a function of the estimated air dewpoint temperature and a measure of the windglass temperature. The fog factor is used to offset an air inlet door, mode doors, refrigerant compressor capacity, discharge air temperature, and blower motor speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Sean Michael Kelly, Karma Vir Sangwan
  • Publication number: 20020157411
    Abstract: An automatic cold-storage system includes a food package (22) provided with a noncontact IC tag (11), and a refrigerator (31) for storing the food package (22). Information is read from the noncontact IC tag (11) by a noncontact IC tag reader (12) and is compiled to a database (31c). A managing means (31b) controls the refrigerator (31) on the basis of information contained in the database (31c). The managing means (31b) makes a display device (14) display a warning on the basis of information read by the noncontact IC tag reader (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Toshiharu Ishikawa, Shigeru Nakano
  • Patent number: 6470697
    Abstract: When an after-evaporation temperature TE remains below the wet-bulb temperature Twet, the compressor 231 is intermittently operated for a predetermined time after the elapse of a first time To from compressor 231 stopping. On the other hand, when the after-evaporation temperature TE is higher than the wet-bulb temperature Twet, the intermittent operation mode stops. This reduces dispersion of offensive smells from the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Nakamura, Hiroshi Nonoyama, Yoshimitsu Inoue, Yuji Takeo, Mitsuyo Oomura, Eiji Takahashi, Toshinobu Homan, Osamu Kasebe
  • Publication number: 20020134096
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-compartment type refrigerator and method for controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a plurality of storage compartments. A plurality of evaporators are each positioned in each of the storage compartments, respectively. A compressor supplies refrigerant to the evaporators through a branched refrigerant conduit. A plurality of opening/closing valves are each positioned on a refrigerant conduit upstream of each of the evaporators for selectively controlling supply of refrigerant to the evaporators. Reference compartment defining means defines as a reference storage compartment one of the storage compartments that has a relatively great load. Control means controls starting of the compressor depending on a change of a temperature of the reference storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Yong-Bo Shim, Hee-Soo Lee, Cheol-Hee Kim
  • Publication number: 20020134094
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling an air conditioner having a multi-compressor. The method comprises the steps of: first determining, in order to accomplish a set temperature after a user starts the air conditioner, a cooling load of a room by measuring an on-time for which at least two compressors are run, in a manner such that the more the on-time of the compressors is long, the more the cooling load of the room is judged to be large; and operating the air conditioner by changing a compressing capacity of the compressors in response to a first determined cooing load, in a manner such that, when the cooling load is large, the air conditioner is operated by a first combination of compressors, having a large compressing capacity, and, when the cooling load is small, the air conditioner is operated by a second combination of compressors, having a small compressing capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Deok Huh, Yun Ho Ryu
  • Publication number: 20020124586
    Abstract: This cleaning system includes a compressor driven by a motor, a condenser; a cooling fan for directing an air stream at the condenser during normal operation, a motor drive system for driving the fan, and a timing device for reversing the rotational direction of the fan motor to direct the stream of cooling air away from the condenser to remove debris collected on the condenser and clean the condenser during a cleaning cycle. The fan is driven by drive system having a solid state commutated motor or a drive system having a reversible permanent split capacitor motor. The timing device includes a timer for controlling the time periods during the normal operation (cooling) cycle and during the cleaning cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc
    Inventor: Steven L. Trulaske
  • Publication number: 20020116936
    Abstract: A chiller includes a chilling compartment for receiving food products to be chilled and a chilling system for delivering chilled air to the chilling compartment during chilling operations. A controller effects operation of the chilling system and includes associated memory storing a plurality of food product data entries. Each food product data entry includes a food product name and at least one associated chilling operation setting for the food product. A user input device is associated with the controller. The controller is operable in conjunction with the user input device to permit a user to select a particular food product data entry such that the controller retrieves at least one chilling operation setting of the particular food product data entry for use in a subsequent chilling operation. The chiller may also include a label printing mechanism for printing chilling operation summary labels which can be applied to food product containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Richard W. Cartwright, Carl St-Laurent, David Charles Edelmann, Stephen R. Willoughby, John Joseph Everhart
  • Patent number: 6431268
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of an air distribution fan and the operation of a motorized outside air damper of an air conditioning system, having heating and/or cooling and/or humidifying and/or dehumidifying operating modes. The system includes a fan recycling control for periodically energizing and de-energizing an air distribution fan in an air conditioning system in order to operate the air distribution fan for a first selectable time period after a second selectable time period from the end of the last operation of the air distribution fan. The last operation of the air distribution fan could have been due to the heating or cooling or humidifying or dehumidifying or constant fan modes of the air conditioning system, or due to fan operation initiated by the fan recycling control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventor: Armin Rudd
  • Patent number: 6430952
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a chilled or partially frozen beverage often referred to as a slush beverage. A variety of apparatuses have been designed to produce chilled beverages as well as to produce beverages which are in a “slush” form. Some of these apparatuses are referred to as “granita” machines. Such apparatuses can be used to produce slush beverages from a variety of products including fruit juices, coffee-based beverages, tea-based beverages, as well as beverages containing alcohol. Such apparatuses includes a chilling structure, and some form of blade or auger which moves relative to the chilling portion to strip the frozen product off and circulate the beverage along the chilling portion. Circulation of the beverage along the chilling portion helps to reduce the temperature of the beverage mixture thereby approaching a slush consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Bun-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Midden, John T. Knepler, Jeffery W. Kadyk
  • Patent number: 6430953
    Abstract: Air conditioner for multiple rooms of a building having a network provided thereto including an outdoor unit, an outdoor unit controller for controlling operation of the outdoor unit, more than one indoor units, an indoor unit controller for controlling operation of the indoor units, and a main controller connected to the outdoor controller and the indoor controller through the network for receiving information on operation states and operation conditions of the outdoor unit and the indoor units, and controlling the outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller according to the information and a preset system algorithm, thereby permitting an easy installation of the air conditioner, and to save an installation cost, and an efficient and optimal air conditioning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Young Hoon Roh
  • Publication number: 20020095942
    Abstract: The control settings of a vehicle climate control system are adjusted in accordance with a relative ambient humidity correction to compensate for variations in relative ambient humidity, and the correction is based on normally measured system operating parameters. The ambient humidity correction value is determined according to a difference between the cooling performance of the system and the ambient heat energy absorbed by the system. The cooling performance of the system is determined during an initial period of vehicle operation based on the time required to reduce the initial evaporator temperature by a predetermined amount. Once steady-state operation of the system is achieved, the cooling performance of the system is determined by the steady-state deviation of the evaporator outlet air temperature from a target temperature of the system. The ambient heat energy absorbed by the system is determined based on the temperature of the ambient air and the flow rate of air through the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Koors, Christopher M. Puranen
  • Patent number: 6405547
    Abstract: A temperature controller is in a position at a height of 130 cm or more from a base surface settling, of which the refrigerator is settled, on a door of the refrigerator, which position is on an upper side of a handle for opening and closing the door. Further, a minute control depending on a preserving condition of foods, the seasons, a quantity of the foods, and so on is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshie Hiraoka, Keiji Ohya
  • Publication number: 20020066281
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for reducing overheating in a passenger compartment of a parked vehicle. The device has a temperature sensor, a temperature comparator, and a control system in electrical communication with the comparator for controlling the actuation and operation of an existing air conditioner fan within the vehicle. The control system incorporates a power supply management arrangement designed to draw energy in pulses from a battery unit of the vehicle to energize the motor when the temperature in the passenger compartment exceeds a predetermined level, and to cease drawing energy when the temperature falls below the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Darren Aster Gunasekera
  • Patent number: 6389827
    Abstract: A heat source apparatus of the ice storage type for performing a cold storage operation and an air-conditioning operation utilizing the stored cold, includes a heat source unit, a cold storage tank connected to the heat source unit, a water level sensor for measuring the stored cold amount by detecting the water level in the cold storage tank, and an operation panel having a menu screen for setting the starting and ending time of the cold storage operation and the air-conditioning operation, wherein the setting of the starting and ending time of the air-conditioning operation can be canceled and a predetermined stored cold amount can be set on the operation panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Agekura, Mitsugu Aoyama, Kenji Takagi, Ken Kaneko, Akira Mishima
  • Patent number: 6389822
    Abstract: A refrigerated soda vending machine includes sensors for monitoring various parameters such as temperature within its refrigerated chamber and for monitoring occupancy in the vicinity of the chamber. The sensor data is used to determine when to switch between a normal mode of operation and a power-conservation mode of operation. In either mode of operation, a cooling system is regulated so that a compressor goes on when an upper internal temperature threshold is reached and off when a lower internal temperature threshold is reached. In the normal mode of operating, fans circulate air within the chamber to maintain a relatively uniform temperature throughout the chamber. During power-conservation mode, the fans are off most of the time the compressor is off. In the absence of circulation, the temperature within the refrigerated chamber stratifies so that a lower cool zone and an upper warm zone can be differentiated. Soda cans are held in vertical stacks so that the lowest cans are located in the cool zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Bayview Technology Group, Incorporated
    Inventor: David J. Schanin
  • Publication number: 20020043073
    Abstract: In a refrigerator using a evaporator, and particularly in an apparatus and a method for controlling a refrigerating cycle of a refrigerator which is capable of easily switching a three-way stepping motor valve, by adjusting a flow of a refrigerant in a refrigerating cycle by using a three-way stepping motor valve, noise occurred in the conventional valve switching can be reduced, a power consumption of a three-way stepping motor valve can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Su Park, Jun Heon Kim
  • Patent number: 6370894
    Abstract: When a single-stage thermostat is appropriately connected to a two-stage cooling system, a microprocessor control activates low and high stages of cooling based on preset parameters. The cooling load requirement is determined and compared to the maximum load requirement that can be satisfied in low-stage cooling mode and the minimum load requirement which can be satisfied in high-stage cooling mode. The desired low-stage cooling time limit is then determined for the next cycle. After the first cycle, the desired low-stage cooling time limit may be equal to zero in which case the next cycle is spent in high-stage cooling mode, or, if greater than zero, the next cycle runs in low-stage cooling mode up to the desired low-stage cooling time limit, with an additional high-stage cooling mode run if the thermostat is not satisfied within the desired time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Thompson, Paul Kiningham, Dave Tumbusch
  • Publication number: 20020035843
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle has a circuit (14) which is capable of being changed over from cooling to heating. The system has a heater (22), through which the air to be conditioned flows, a cooling heat exchanger (18) acting as an evaporator in the cooling mode, and an additional heat exchanger (20) capable of being selectively used for providing auxiliary heat in the heating mode. The additional heat exchanger can be advantageously utilized by operating it as an auxiliary cooling heat exchanger, acting as an evaporator, in the cooling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: BEHR GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Kampf
  • Patent number: 6357244
    Abstract: An air conditioning control system for vehicles for common use, includes: a reservation unit for reserving a rentals of the vehicles for common use with corresponding delivery times therefor; and an activating unit for activating an air conditioner of each of the vehicles so reserved when the corresponding delivery time therefor approaches so that a comfortable condition is produced in the passenger compartment of the vehicle when it is rented out a user who has reserved it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Mori
  • Publication number: 20020016148
    Abstract: The modular timer for an air circulator comprises a timer for energizing an air circulator motor for a predetermined amount of time. A first connector connects the timer to an air circulator motor while a second connector connects the timer to a power switch. A selection switch controls the timer setting of the timer such that the time period corresponds to at least one time period of a work shift. A housing limits access to the selection switch and protects it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Dwight C. Janisse & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Janisse, Mark T. Janisse, Russell J. Tobin
  • Patent number: 6318639
    Abstract: An electronic programmable thermostat having different modes of fan operation, including an automatic mode, a time mode, and a continuous mode, preferably includes a temporary fan-on mode for selecting a predetermined period of time for enabling operation of a climate control system including an air circulating fan. The period of time for operation of the temporary fan on mode is selected from a plurality of predetermined periods of time. The temporary mode of operation preferably can be selected during any other mode of operation and after the expiration of the selected period of time for temporary fan on operation, the thermostat returns to the mode of operation of the fan that it should be in based on a programmed schedule of the thermostat. Selection of a predetermined period of time and activation of the temporary mode results in operation of the air circulating fan for that selected period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Bartholomew L. Toth
  • Patent number: 6266967
    Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle system for a vehicle air conditioner, when a continuous operation time of a compressor elapses a predetermined time after the compressor operates, operation of the compressor is forcibly interrupted so that a refrigerant pressure at a suction side of the compressor is changed. Thus, even when the compressor operates continuously in a long time when only a front evaporator operates among front and rear evaporators, the refrigerant pressure at a low-pressure side is forcibly changed so that a rear thermal expansion valve of the rear evaporator is forcibly opened. As a result, lubrication oil staying in the rear evaporator and a low-pressure pipe is introduced into the suction side of the compressor by a refrigerant flow due to a valve opening of the rear thermal expansion valve of the rear evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Masahide Honda
  • Publication number: 20010003906
    Abstract: Air conditioner for multiple rooms of a building having a network provided thereto including an outdoor unit, an outdoor unit controller for controlling operation of the outdoor unit, more than one indoor units, an indoor unit controller for controlling operation of the indoor units, and a main controller connected to the outdoor controller and the indoor controller through the network for receiving information on operation states and operation conditions of the outdoor unit and the indoor units, and controlling the outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller according to the information and a preset system algorithm, thereby permitting an easy installation of the air conditioner, and to save an installation cost, and an efficient and optimal air conditioning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventor: Young Hoon Roh
  • Patent number: 6216478
    Abstract: An operation speed change system and method for an inverter refrigerator which includes: a power sensing means for sensing an input of power in an initial state; a mode selection sensing means for sensing a mode selection of the user; a circumferential temperature sensing means for sensing a temperature in the vicinity of the refrigerator; a temperature comparing means for determining whether the temperature sensed by the circumferential temperature sensing means is higher than a previously set temperature; a door opening sensing means for sensing the door opening of the refrigerator; an interior temperature sensing means for sensing a temperature inside the refrigerator; a time lapse determining means for measuring the predetermined time elapsed from a referential point of time when the door opening is sensed by the door opening sensing means; a frequency setting means for setting a frequency in accordance with outputs from the power sensing means, the mode selection sensing means, the temperature comparing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang Hwa Kang
  • Patent number: 6205801
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an air conditioning unit includes means for supplying electrical power to electrically operated components within the unit. The unit includes a control device for controlling the delivery of electrical power from the supply so as to selectively energize the electrically operated components. An electrical supply socket of the type suitable for receiving a household appliance power cord plug is provided. A timer device is configured to receive electrical power from the electrical power supply. The timer is operable to be set to an “on” condition at selected time and an “off” condition at another selected time. An electrical circuit interconnects the control and the timer such that when the timer is in its “on” condition, electrical power to the electrically operated components is controlled by the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Benedicto B. Riglos, Edward J. Esporlas, Jacinto S. Castro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6176436
    Abstract: Control apparatus for an environmental control system comprises input circuitry receiving environmental information and output circuitry for controlling an HVAC system. Processing circuitry in the controller configures the output circuitry based at least in part on the signals received on the input circuitry. Information about the status of the HVAC system may be transferred to system administrators using a wireless link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Pentech Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A. Gauthier, Guy D. Covert
  • Patent number: 6109049
    Abstract: A system for cooling outdoor golf practice tees is incorporated into a practice facility including a building that houses, perhaps, five or so practice tees, each of which is partially enclosed by building structure. Within the ceiling of the building, a single air conditioning unit is mounted having an outlet connected to an elongated manifold and within each enclosure, a vent is provided connected to the manifold and having a louvered outlet allowing adjustment of the direction of air flow from the outlet. A blower motor is located in the duct supplying air to the vent from the manifold and the blower motor includes a fan directed such that rotations of the motor result in blowing of conditioned air through the vent. Each enclosure includes a check control mechanism designed to receive money and responsive to receipt of the proper amount activating the blower motor for a prescribed period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Bruce B. Wetherell
  • Patent number: 6085534
    Abstract: A vending machine structured to store a plurality of items to be vended at room temperature and to selectively dispense individual chilled items as selected by a purchaser, without the use of electric power. The machine comprises a main housing having a retrieval tray integrally formed within the outer surface, and an insulated internal surface, a tank filled with a pressurized gas capable of being emitted as a gas or a refrigerant liquid, a generally downwardly sloping storage tray, a downwardly sloping track having a first upper end coupled to a sidewall of the storage tray and a second lower end coupled to a cooling chamber, and a control valve structured to control the sequence of operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6070660
    Abstract: A forced air heating and/or cooling system utilizing a permanent split capacitor (PSC) or shaded pole AC induction motor and including an actuator for energizing a source of heating and/or cooling effect may be controlled by a controller circuit which is operable to continuously vary the speed of the fan motor during a start-up phase and a shut-down phase of the heating and/or cooling cycle. The controller circuit includes terminals for connection to the source of electrical energy for the heating and/or cooling system and for connection to the system controls without altering the control function or circuitry thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.
    Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Daniel B. Steffen
  • Patent number: 6062482
    Abstract: A method of controlling an HVAC system includes measuring environmental and/or physical parameters associated with the controlled space, and making operational decisions based on those parameters. Control apparatus is also provided comprising input circuitry receiving environmental information and output circuitry for controlling an HVAC system. Processing circuitry in the controller configures the output circuitry based at least in part on the signals received on the input circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Pentech Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A. Gauthier, Guy D. Covert
  • Patent number: 6009838
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: Jae Carver, Kenneth Carver
  • Patent number: 5987906
    Abstract: A pipe freezing apparatus 2 has pipe freezer heads 12a, 12b supplied with refrigerant by a compressor 4. The freezer heads 12a, 12b comprise expansion chambers in which the refrigerant expands, to cool the heads. A valve 10 alternately diverts flow of the refrigerant to the freezer heads 12a, 12b. When a supply to a head 12a, 12b is shut off, the compressor lowers the pressure in the head, resulting in enhanced cooling when supply to the head is restored. The compressor 4 can be run continuously while the cooling at the heads is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Freeze Master Limited
    Inventor: Trevor Hallett
  • Patent number: 5934084
    Abstract: A dry operation is performed during a room-cooling mode of an air conditioner by performing a pattern of heating, cooling, and blowing-only steps. The pattern of steps is controlled as a function of sensed room temperature to ensure that the room temperature is kept within a predetermined comfort range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Kwan Lee
  • Patent number: 5899084
    Abstract: A ripening room is disclosed for ripening perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables, and more particularly bananas, in which the air flow and temperature are closely controlled by the room construction and by a cooling control system that achieves uniform ripening of the fruit regardless of the physical location of the fruit within the room. These desired results are accomplished using a minimum quantity of energy and cooling capacity by use of an improved cooling controller that gradually changes the temperature setpoint over time to allow the cooling (refrigeration) system to operate near its full capacity without any periods of intense cooling (due to sudden changes of the temperature setpoint, as in the prior art). The uniform ripening is also achieved by an improved air distribution system that provides a greater back pressure in portions of a ripening room that, in conventional designs, receives far too much air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Chiquita Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislaw Franaszek, Grzegorz Pawel Mizera
  • Patent number: 5881565
    Abstract: A refrigeration system (12) is comprised of three expansion units (19A, 19B, 19C), with each having an expansion chamber (22) and three secondary chambers (24, 26 and 28), connected to a supply (16) of compressed refrigerant. The expansion chamber and secondary chambers are formed with progressively reducing volumetric capacity. The end of each of the the secondary chambers, is connected to a common bleed tube (29) having a bleed hole (34) for venting the refrigerant. The bleed hole opens to the outside of a housing (15) which houses the expansion units. The interior of the housing (15) is filled with a gel which changes state from a liquid to a solid at a predetemmined temperature. A valving arrangement (32) connects the expansion units to a supply of compressed refrigerant. The housing (15) together with a supply (16) refrigerant can be installed into a cooling box for cooling the space within the cooling box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Emerald Enterprises Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Coventry
  • Patent number: 5881806
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of an air distribution fan and the operation of a motorized outside air damper of an air conditioning system, having heating and/or cooling and/or humidifying and/or dehumidifying operating modes. The system includes a fan recycling control for periodically energizing and de-energizing an air distribution fan in an air conditioning system in order to operate the air distribution fan for a first selectable time period after a second selectable time period from the end of the last operation of the air distribution fan. The last operation of the air distribution fan could have been due to the heating or cooling or humidifying or dehumidifying or constant fan modes of the air conditioning system, or due to fan operation initiated by the fan recycling control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventor: Armin Rudd
  • Patent number: 5816053
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for cooling and tempering bacon slabs supported upon wheeled trucks (24) which can be rolled on the floor (14) inside a cooler (12) includes an evaporator (26) having multiple fans (34) for moving air through refrigerated coils (32) and in the cooler (12). Moisture collecting on the refrigerated coils (32) drops into a drain pan (30) and is drained through pipes (38) outside the cooler (12). The fans (34) are alternately rotated in opposite directions for equal time segments and baffles (40) are provided inside of the cooler (12) to assure uniform air chilling. A controller (46) operates the evaporator (26) so that the air inside of the cooler (12) is cooled to a temperature less than the internal product temperature which is greater than freezing and specifically in the preferred form at a desired temperature differential of 20.degree. F. (11.degree. C.) until an intermediate internal product temperature is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Cloverdale Foods Company
    Inventor: Larry A. Huether
  • Patent number: 5809796
    Abstract: To be used with a pool assembly of the type including a swimming pool, and a pool pump, a self regulating pool heater unit having a refrigeration unit structured and disposed to emit heat in order to heat a quantity of water cycled therethrough by the pool pump. Further, a power source is included and connected to the refrigeration unit, and to the pool pump through a timer. The timer has an on mode which sets a predetermined time period during which the power supplied by the power source flows therethrough to the pool pump so that it will function, and an off mode wherein no power flows through the timer to the pool pump. Additionally, an automatic timer bypass is included and connected in line between the power source and the pool pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: John M. Zakryk
  • Patent number: 5806322
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system for use in connection with a refrigeration system having an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser, and a purge unit connected to the condenser for receiving gaseous refrigerant and non-condensable gases from the condenser. A tank connects to the purge unit by a line for receiving purged gaseous refrigerant and purged non-condensable gases from the purge unit. The tank contains adsorbent material for recovering the purged gaseous refrigerant from the purged non-condensable gases. The system includes means for determining when a predetermined amount of purged gaseous refrigerant is received by the tank and means for controlling the flow of fluids to and from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: York International
    Inventors: Sakin R. Cakmakci, Walter A. Lobodinsky
  • Patent number: 5787718
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a quick cooling function of a refrigerator. When both compartments are at an abnormal temperature state in a refrigerator the method independently controls a freezer compartment and a refrigerating compartment. The user selects a quick cooling function for any compartment. This method preferentially controls only selected compartment temperature, reducing the time needed to quickly cool the selected compartment, and thus reducing power-consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seo Kook Jeong
  • Patent number: 5761914
    Abstract: A refrigeration system employing a screw compressor and a falling film evaporator makes use of high-side pressure to drive lubricant, which escapes the compressor and collects as a lubricant-rich mixture of lubricant and refrigerant in the system evaporator, back to the compressor. The mixture is cyclically exposed to high-side pressure for a period of time which (i) varies in accordance with the difference between a sensed condenser-related pressure and a sensed evaporator-related pressure and (ii) is calculated to maintain a predetermined oil concentration in the lubricant-rich mixture in the evaporator so as to minimize the parasitic losses to system efficiency associated with the oil return process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Carey, Sean A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5743104
    Abstract: A temperature controlling method for a refrigerator and an apparatus therefor are provided, in which a sensing error between temperature sensors is corrected, thereby maintaining the interior temperature of the refrigeration compartment in equilibrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-in Kim, Yun-seok Kang, Seong-wook Jeong
  • Patent number: 5682756
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of a refrigeration system having a compressor, a defrost timer that provides an operating power supply, a solenoid valve, and a thermostat includes a relay switch and a delay timer. The relay switch is coupled in series between the defrost timer and the thermostat, and it is configured to electrically disconnect an operating power supply from the thermostat for a predetermined time period regulated by the delay timer. The solenoid valve closes when the relay switch is in the opened state and the compressor remains functional during the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventors: Robert G. Lehmiller, David K. Jacks
  • Patent number: 5647533
    Abstract: A method is described of selectively varying the speed of the indoor blower of a heat pump for heating a building or other indoor area when ambient temperature drops below a predetermined level, in order to reduce the cold blow effect of air entering the building. The operating run time fraction of a heating cycle is determined, and the speed of the indoor blower is adjusted when the run time fraction crosses a predetermined threshold value, except that the speed of the indoor blower is maintained when the run time fraction is sufficiently changed compared with a previous run time fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Don A. Schuster, Larry J. Burkhart, Hongmei Liang, Frederick J. Keller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5634346
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a room air conditioner includes a memory for storing operational parameters, a thermistor for measuring ambient temperature, and a microprocessor capable of calculating the difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature set point, and capable of controlling the speed of the fan and fan motor based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature set point. The controller includes an electronic system clock, an electronic control panel with a display, the ability to store in memory a start time for normal operation of the room air conditioner and a stop time for ending normal operation of the room air conditioner, and a timer mode activation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Rengaswamy Ramakrishnan, Eric H. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 5588589
    Abstract: An air conditioner for reduction of energy consumption without impairing the comfortable feeling, which comprises a room temperature detector for detecting the room temperature of an air-conditioned room, temperature setting apparatus for setting a target temperature, air conditioning device for performing an air conditioning operation to bring the room temperature detected by the room temperature detector toward the target temperature, and target temperature charger, which corrects the target temperature to rise and fall periodically in accordance with a predetermined rule after the room temperature has substantially reached the target temperature through use of the air conditioning devices. The charger shifts the average value of the target temperature after the start of the correction in such a direction that the air conditioning load of the air conditioning device is reduced from that for attaining the target temperature before the correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Ishihara, Tsuyoshi Rakuma, Hiroshi Kanai, Takashi Fudo, Masato Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5582233
    Abstract: In a forced air heating and cooling system including a blower fan for circulating air in an air ambient use-space, a timer circuit and a power output control circuit for augmenting control and for regulating operation of the blower fan. The timer and associated circuitry functions to activate the blower fan for finite limited periods of operation at each end of each heating and cooling cycle and at time-spaced intervals when neither heating nor cooling is called for in the controlled use-space. The timer device and supporting control circuitry are simply and readily incorporated into the conditioning system with a minimum of physical disruption of disturbance of leads and connections. Heating and cooling efficiencies are enhanced, comfort level is elevated, and objectionable temperature fluctuations are smoothed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Paul V. Noto
  • Patent number: 5572877
    Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles can operate at a dehumidifying-operation mode including at least a dry-cooling or a dry-heating mode. The air conditioner comprises a plurality of discharge ports including a defroster discharge port and discharge port switching dampers, a control system for opening at least the defroster discharge port for a predetermined time when the dehumidifying-operation mode is selected, and a control system for opening another discharge port determined in accordance with an operation mode and the like after the predetermined time has elapsed. When the dehumidifying operation is selected, at least the defroster discharge port is opened only for the predetermined time and temperature-conditioned air is discharged to the windshield from the defroster discharge port. After the predetermined time has elapsed, a discharge port in accordance with an operation mode is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Ikeda, Toshimi Isobe, Akihiro Tajiri, Mitsuru Ishikawa, Choji Sakuma, Nobuyuki Yuri