Vacuumized Chamber With Open Vapor Or Gas Outlet Patents (Class 62/268)
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Publication number: 20040154330Abstract: A horizontal type compressor comprising: a differential pressure plate for dividing an inside of a casing into a high pressure chamber and a lower pressure chamber and thus maintaining an oil level of the high pressure chamber to be higher than that of the lower pressure chamber; and a lubricating unit for supplying oil stored in the high pressure chamber to each sliding part in the compressor and making the oil which finished a lubricating operation return to the high pressure chamber from the lower pressure chamber. The compressor smoothly supplies refrigerant oil and minimizes an amount of the refrigerant oil discharged outside the compressor, thereby prolonging a life of the compressor and increasing a reliability of the compressor. Also, the differential pressure plate and the muffler are integrally formed, thereby reducing a fabricating cost and reducing an assembling process.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Hyun-Jun Ko, Youn-Bong Han
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Publication number: 20040154328Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Mark T. Holtzapple, Richard Davison, G. Andrew Rabroker
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Patent number: 6755043Abstract: In cooling plants which work with water as both primary and secondary coolant, it is customary for use to be made of both an evaporator and a condenser which must be supplied wi5th water in the form of e.g. a spray for achieving an effective heat exchange, and out of regard for the effectiveness it is necessary for a continuous deaeration of the water to be carried out, which is effected by the sucking of air direct from the condenser, possibly supplemented with an external NCG condenser or by leading the supply water through a pre-deaerator under vacuum. With the invention it has been found possible to configure both the evaporator and the condenser with associated deaeration/pre-deaeration units in a fully integrated manner, namely by mounting a pair of sieve plates in a vacuum container for the dividing of the container into an upper supply- and distribution chamber, a centremost pre-deaeration chamber (one or more), and a bottom chamber in the form of an evaporator- and a condenser chamber respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: York Refrigeration APSInventors: Christian Svarregaard Jensen, Lars Hattmann
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Patent number: 6684658Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Mark T. Holtzapple, Richard Davison, G. Andrew Rabroker
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Publication number: 20030150233Abstract: In cooling plants which work with water as both primary and secondary coolant, it is customary for use to be made of both an evaporator and a condenser which must be supplied wi5th water in the form of e.g. a spray for achieving an effective heat exchange, and out of regard for the effectiveness it is necessary for a continuous deaeration of the water to be carried out, which is effected by the sucking of air direct from the condenser, possibly supplemented with an external NCG condenser or by leading the supply water through a pre-deaerator under vacuum. With the invention it has been found possible to configure both the evaporator and the condenser with associated deaeration/pre-deaeration units in a fully integrated manner, namely by mounting a pair of sieve plates in a vacuum container for the dividing of the container into an upper supply- and distribution chamber, a centremost pre-deaeration chamber (one or more), and a bottom chamber in the form of an evaporator- and a condenser chamber respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Christian Svarregaard Jensen, Lars Hattmann
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Patent number: 6508065Abstract: The invention is a system and process for supplying fluid in hermetic circuits. The type of hermetic circuit is identified, and based upon this identification, vacuum and fluid supply conditions that are predetermined for the type of circuit are applied. Using the system and process, multiple types of hermetic circuits with varying operating conditions may be continually processed on a production line.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Multibras S.A. EletrodomesticosInventors: Estevao Marino De Espindola, Vadis Bellini, Marcio Moacir Pereira, Eriberto Nelson De Souza, Paulo Geraldo Scheibe
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Publication number: 20020170300Abstract: The present invention relates to an air circulation system of a refrigerator in a side-by-side refrigerator. The air circulation system ejects a cold air into a refrigerator compartment asymmetrically from right and left side walls to form a vortex thereby enhancing the ability of uniform cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Seong Ho Cho, In Seop Lee
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Publication number: 20020088243Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Mark T. Holtzapple, Richard Davison, G. Andrew Rabroker
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Publication number: 20020083724Abstract: Food Storage and Preservation System with a plurality of food storage containers each with a gasketed door, each the food storage container having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, the air outlet port terminating in a solenoid valve and a vacuum limit switch, a central air treatment module in a housing, the air treatment module consisting of a vacuum pump, an ozone generator, a microprocessor and a power supply, a wire and hose harness set, said wire and harness set capable of connecting said food storage container to said air treatment module, a switch sensor that activates when said container door opens or closes, a sliding food holding tray that resides inside said food storage container, a food storage and preservation system that, when the user closes said door, first ozonates the interior of said container and then evacuates the air from said container as controlled by said microprocessor, said evacuation automatically maintained by the monitoring of said vacuum limit switch, said air treatmentType: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Kenneth A. Tarlow, Samuel S. Kim
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Patent number: 6329005Abstract: Rapid cooling apparatus including a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber for decreasing pressure in the vacuum chamber, a heat-transfer fluid disposed inside the vacuum chamber, and a substance generally sealed in a package in heat-transfer contact with the heat-transfer fluid inside the vacuum chamber. Preferably the package is constructed of an expandable material.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: David Reznik
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Patent number: 6311510Abstract: Refrigerant cooling coils inserted within a passage of brine in a heat exchanger are so deformed into a shape of flat elliptical cylinder that long axis of ellipse is parallel to a condensing surface, and a side or two sides of a pair of flat faces formed by deformation machining are fitted within the passage, closely contacted with an inner wall of the passage of the brine, in order to increase the contact surface between the refrigerant cooling ellipse coils and the inner wall of the passage of brine in the vapor trap plate and in order to enhance boundary film convection heat transfer coefficient of the brine circulated in the passage of said heat exchanger so as to provide excellent heat transfer property and great vapor condensing capability.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Kyowa Vacuum Engineering, Ltd.Inventors: Ryouji Sunama, Airu Yao
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Patent number: 6158233Abstract: The walls of a refrigerator or freezer cabinet comprise an inner shell (20) of plastic, an outer shell (22) of plastic and an evacuated heat insulation (28) between the shells. The cabinet is permanently provided with a vacuum pump (30), which keeps the insulation evacuated. Each one of the inner shell (20) and the outer shell (22) has at an access opening (16) of the cabinet an end part (24 and 26, respectively), both of which being directed out from the opening (16) and joined together along a surface (21), which like a band extends around the opening in parallel with its plane (16).Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Aktiebolaget ElectroluxInventors: Ilan Cohen, Anders Haegermarck
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Patent number: 6145321Abstract: A method of cooling an aqueous liquid, which method comprises the steps of:a) placing said aqueous liquid in a vessel;b) reducing the pressure in said vessel to cause said aqueous liquid to boil;c) condensing at least some of the liquid in the vapour created as said aqueous liquid boils by heat exchange with a liquid cryogen; andd) using vapour from said liquid cryogen to at least assist in step (b).Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Paul Miller, Mark Sherman Williams
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Patent number: 6116030Abstract: A vacuum pump of the steam-ejector type uses steam generated by the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen. The mass of ejected steam is increased, and the temperature of the ejected steam is reduced, by injection of water into the combustion product. Propellant densification is accomplished by using such a vacuum pump to reduce the vapor pressure of a cryogenic liquid, thereby reducing its temperature. The cryogenic liquid may be the propellant, or it may be a coolant medium thermally coupled to the propellant.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: George Taylor Story
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Patent number: 6090422Abstract: A refrigerator (10) includes a vacuum cabinet (20) which includes a vacuum compartment (42) and an open top drawer (34) in the vacuum compartment. When the refrigerator door is closed, a rotary spool (75) of the air control valve (70) is moved to a position to recirculate air from the vacuum compartment through the vacuum pump (65) back into the vacuum compartment so as to pre-chill the contents of the vacuum compartment. Later, while the refrigerator door is still closed, the air control valve is shifted so that the vacuum pump (65) draws air from the vacuum compartment until a predetermined low air pressure is detected in the vacuum compartment, whereupon the operation of the vacuum pump terminates. When the refrigerator door is opened, the valve spool (75) rotates to vent the vacuum compartment to the atmosphere, thereby equalizing the pressure within the vacuum compartment to atmospheric pressure and allowing the open top drawer of the vacuum compartment to be opened.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Inventors: Arie Taragan, Henry Chaim Oami
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Patent number: 6054165Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for cooling high-viscosity sauces containing ingredients in the form of solid pieces. To develop a virtually continues process while preserving the ingredients in piece form as much as possible, according to the invention the following process steps are proposed:a) the sauce prepared at a temperature of 75.degree. to 120.degree. C. is pumped via a cooling system and is thereby cooled to a temperature of about 50.degree. to 55.degree. C.;b) the sauce pre-cooled in this way is pumped into a cooling tank under vacuum, which it passes through under the force of gravity, partly via enforced diversions and partly in free fall, the sauce being cooled by water evaporation to a temperature of about 3.degree. C. to 17.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: A. Stephan U. Soehne GmbH & Co.Inventor: Friedrich Koellner
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Patent number: 6038869Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating uniformly sized spherical ice particles. The apparatus comprises a water feed pump, a vacuum chamber connected to the water feed pump and having a water spray nozzle, boosters discharging the vapor from the vacuum chamber to maintain the inside of the vacuum chamber below a desired pressure and compressing it, a condenser for condensing the vapor being compressed by the boosters, and a vacuum pump for removing noncondensable gases from the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Yoon Pyo Lee, Chun Sik Lee, Kwang Ho Kim, Jong Soo Jurng, Young Il Kim, Hung Tae Shin, Hee Suk Han
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Patent number: 5928699Abstract: Apparatus for rapid cooling of a liquid to be cooled including a heat exchanger including a housing for containing a cooling liquid, a plurality of cooling conduits traversing the housing in thermal contact with the cooling liquid and defining a cooling conduit inlet and a cooling conduit outlet and a vacuum generator associated with the interior of the housing for reducing the pressure in the housing until the cooling liquid boils whereby a heat transfer coefficient of the cooling liquid is generally maximized.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: David Reznik
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Patent number: 5906102Abstract: A cryopump having a cryopump chamber includes a purge gas valve coupled to the cryopump chamber for supplying a first quantity of warm gas to the cryopump chamber in order to purge the cryopump chamber during regeneration. A roughing valve couples the cryopump chamber to a roughing pump enabling the cryopump chamber to be roughed. An exhaust valve is coupled to the cryopump chamber for exhausting gases from the cryopump chamber during purge. A delivery valve is coupled to the exhaust valve for delivering a second quantity of warm gas directly onto surfaces of the exhaust valve for warming the surfaces of the exhaust valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Allen J. Bartlett, Michael J. Eacobacci, Jr., Joseph P. Johnson
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Patent number: 5839289Abstract: The air pressure within a part of an appliance (e.g., a refrigeration pipe of an air conditioner unit) is reduced as the part is conveyed on a conveyor. This pressure reduction is accomplished by connecting a first end of a vacuum hose to the part, and then rotating a rotatable member to which the second end is connected. That causes the second end to be alternately brought into and out of communication with a vacuum source, whereby a vacuum is intermittently induced in the part. During periods when the second end of the vacuum hose is out of communication with the vacuum source, that second hose end is placed in communication with a pressure at least at atmospheric, to temporarily increase the pressure in the part.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nam-sik Cho
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Patent number: 5829258Abstract: The air pressure in a part of an appliance (e.g., a refrigeration pipe of an air conditioner unit) is reduced as the part is conveyed on a conveyor. This is accomplished by means of a vacuum pump which is connected to the part by a hose. The pressure reduction is achieved in a step-by-step fashion by either (a) alternately starting and stopping the pump while the hose remains connected to the part, or (b) alternately connecting and disconnecting the hose to and from the part.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nam-sik Cho
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Patent number: 5744696Abstract: Sample analysis in a portable analytical instrument, preferably in the form of a gas chromatograph, benefits from temperature control of one or more thermal zones in the instrument by way of a thermal isolation system that includes a novel pumping assembly to effect a selective amount of thermal isolation of the thermal zone. The pumping assembly includes a pumping element in the form of a tubular or planar palladium structure. The pumping assembly makes use of the unique properties of palladium to allow selective control of a nominal gas pressure within a vacuum cavity. A component system, which may include a separation column and a thermal device for heating and/or cooling the component system, may be provided within the vacuum cavity. The thermal device and the pumping assembly are individually controlled by a control system.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1997Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Tak Kui Wang, James Ward Baker, Terry A. Berger
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Patent number: 5740680Abstract: A deodorizing reinforced container includes: a housing having an outer shell lined with thermally insulative lining on an inside surface of the outer shell, and an inner shell defining a storing chamber within the inner shell; a plurality of reinforcing ribs longitudinally and latitudinally retained between the inner shell and the outer shell of the housing for reinforcing the strength of the housing for sustaining a hypobaric pressure; a cooling hypobaric device and a humidifier provided in the storing chamber for producing low pressure, low temperature and increasing humidity in the storing chamber for well preservation of foods, fruits or other storing materials within the housing; and a deodorizing device provided in a sandwiched space between the inner and outer shells for absorbing unpleasant odors and absorbing ethylene or other excess unexpected gases which may cause aging of the fruits or vegetables as stored in the housing for freshening the stored matters in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Inventor: Fong-Chuan Lee
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Patent number: 5551246Abstract: A centrifugal liquid separator and defoamer for use in a vacuum cooling system including a cooling vessel having a vessel interior for containing a liquid to be cooled, and a vacuum system for applying a vacuum to an interior of the vessel, through a vessel vapor outlet nozzle. This separator and defoamer includes at least one impeller blade positioned in the vicinity of a juncture of the vessel interior and vessel vapor outlet nozzle, this impeller blade being rotated at a speed at which any liquid contacting the rotating impeller blade will be thrown off the blade, and any foam contacting the impeller blade will be converted to liquid and thrown off the blade, in the direction of the vessel interior, by centrifugal action.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Croll-Reynolds Company, Inc.Inventor: Russell Ojala
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Patent number: 5537833Abstract: A cryogenic trap is shielded by a floating baffle array which is insulated from ambient temperature. The cryogenic trap includes a baffle array which is suspended by conductive braid from split cylinders. The split cylinders are cooled by respective closed cycle refrigerators.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen R. Matte, Bruce R. Andeen
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Patent number: 5520004Abstract: The invention includes a tunnel-conveyor section designed to process large-scale quantities of such materials as automobile tires for frangiation and embrittlement to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels for separation of fibrous and metal portions and subsequent granulation into fine-mesh particles. The system is also designed to subject food products to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels prior to for long-term storage and shipping as well. The system can also be used for freeze drying at very low temperatures (-380.degree. F. and lower) when nonconveyor procedures are used. The unit can be adapted as a horizontal-cylinder as well as a spiral or circular system for large-scale conveyor operations. Smaller systems can also be fabricated for laboratory or smaller-scale procedures.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Robert H. Jones, III
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Patent number: 5520008Abstract: A lightweight, heavy duty, large volume centrifugal compressor for use in mechanical vapor compression systems, especially water vapor compression systems in heat pump installations, said compressor comprising a shaft driven propeller-like rotary member consisting of a frusto-conical hub and a plurality of curved blades made of a lightweight material, each being secured to said hub along a longitudinal curved line and radially extending therefrom; each pair of adjacent blades being interconnected by a bridging membrane member of a lightweight material curvingly extending from the roots of the leading edges of said adjacent blades to the tips of the rear edges of the blades; said rotary member being encompassed within a closely fitting shroud, so that curved vapor flow channels are defined between each said pair of blades, their associated membrane member, and the shroud.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: I.D.E. Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Avraham Ophir, David Olomutzki, Abraham Koren, Arie Kanevski
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Patent number: 5473901Abstract: Heat insulation is provided for a refrigerator or freezer. The insulation includes a closed cell material, which is placed in a hermetically closed space (13) surrounded by a diffusion-tight shell. The space communicates with a vacuum source, and a gas diffuses through the cells five times faster than air gasses. The material does not achieve its full insulating properties until the refrigerator has been used.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1993Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Electrolux Research & Innovation AktiebolagInventor: Rutger A. Roseen
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Patent number: 5386703Abstract: A vacuum cooler for produce and the like includes a vacuum tube forming a vacuum chamber into which produce is placed. A vacuum pump lowers the atmospheric pressure while cold water is gently sprayed onto the produce. Water vapor from the produce is condensed, directed to a sump in the chamber without permitting such condensed water to impinge on the produce, and then directed through a water disinfecting chamber for reuse. The cooler includes a venting system that admits outside air into the vacuum chamber, gradually returning the chamber to atmospheric pressure, and permitting removal of produce from the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: Roger Carson LaterInventor: Roger C. Later
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Patent number: 5386872Abstract: A refinery petroleum gas recovery apparatus driven by normally wasted heat, comprising primarily the cooling system, the heat exchanging petroleum gas recovery system, and the appropriate peripheral equipment, wherein the wasted heat from the refining process is used as a power source for creating a vacuum cooling function to cool the water being heat exchanged with the petroleum gas down to the temperature of 12.degree.-13.degree. C. The heat in the gas is removed and the gas is condensed into liquid for reuse. The petroleum gases ethane, propane etc. which are ordinarily burned in the torch tower can now be recovered for reuse. The air pollution created from the burning of the gases in the torch tower is eliminated. Thus the apparatus has a high industrial value.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Inventor: Wei-Min Chang
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Patent number: 5381675Abstract: The force sparing temperature changer operates through at least two air evacuated bellows. The relative positions of the chambers are such that the moving walls of the chambers face each other and transmit opposing vector forces to each other. This causes the movable walls of the bellows to settle in positions which are the result of the balance of opposing forces upon the walls. An outside reciprocal vector force upon the movable walls tips the balance of the opposing forces upon the movable walls and causes a reciprocal expansion and compression of each chamber. The bellows chambers contain a low boiling point liquid, such as water under a vacuum, which responds to the the expansion and compression of the chambers. The cooling effects of the expansion of the chambers upon the low boiling point liquid are separated from the heating effects of the compression of the chambers, by separate tubings and one way valves.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1993Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Inventor: Israel Siegel
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Patent number: 5375431Abstract: A vacuum cooler for produce and the like comprising a vacuum tube forming a vacuum chamber into which produce is placed. A vacuum pump lowers the atmospheric pressure while cold water is gently sprayed onto the produce. Water vapor from the produce is condensed, and directed to a sump in the chamber without permitting such condensed water to impinge on the produce. The cooler includes a venting system that admits outside air into the vacuum chamber, gradually returning the chamber to atmospheric pressure, and permitting removal of produce from the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1992Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Inventors: Roger C. Later, Roger D. Later
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Patent number: 5351501Abstract: A method is presented for the transfer of heat from a low to a higher temperature, in that the main medium in gas form is heated and compressed, after which this main medium is conducted to a first heating chamber (1) where heat at low temperature is added to the main medium, whereafter the gas is conducted to a compressor (8) and compressed, in that before being conducted to the first heating chamber (1), the main medium can undergo a pressure drop and a possible heat absorption in a heat exchanger. In the first heating chamber (1), there is added an auxiliary medium in liquid form which evaporates together with the heating of the main medium, so that after the heating the main medium is more or less saturated with the auxiliary medium in vapor form, in that the heat is added from a second heating chamber (2) in which a gaseous medium containing evaporated auxiliary medium is cooled for the condensation of the auxiliary medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1992Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Inventor: Benny Petersen
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Patent number: 5339645Abstract: The invention consists of a cooling system which can be powered by solar energy, utilizing solar flat plate collectors. Water, the boiling point of which has been lowered by an air vacuum, is used as a refrigerant instead of freon. The water boils at low temperature in sealed air evacuated heat exchange coils and removes heat from the environment. A solar differential temperature engine is modified to include a pump mechanism. The pump is used to transfer the vapor, generated by the boiling of the low boiling point water in the heat exchange coils, from the coils to the chambers of the differential temperature engine. The vapor then re-condenses into a liquid, without a compressor, through the differential temperature between the chambers of the engine. The re-condensed liquid then returns spontaneously to the heat exchange coils by force of gravity. The cooling system may likewise operate through house hold electic power on a standby or permenant basis.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1992Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Inventor: Israel Siegel
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Patent number: 5320161Abstract: Formaldehyde and similar biocides are transported in a gelled, semi-solid or solid state by providing formaldehyde in a concentration in methanol of about fifty-five percent (55%) to eighty-five percent (85%) by weight, loading the solution in rail cars or truck transport tanks in a liquid state and cooling the solution to a gelled, semi-solid or solid state for transport to a destination followed by reheating the solution and/or mixing with a solvent for discharge to an application such as the produced water flowstreams from Alaskan North Slope oil fields, for example.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Atlantic Richfield CompanyInventor: Bruce A. Iiams
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Patent number: 5317882Abstract: A water vapor vacuum refrigeration chilled water system with a compressor that allows flash cooling refrigeration system to be practical size and weight. The system utilizes only water vapor. Innovative features include a unique plenum condenser system which allows the refrigeration system to be totally enclosed with little or no effect of ambient temperatures on system performances. The plenum type spray condenser does not need fins or tubes as common refrigeration condensers. The compressor allows the large volume of water vapor to be compressed at high pressure ratios. The compressor is much smaller and lighter than state of the art positive or centrifugal type compressor for the required compression requirements. The compressor sections are made with two dissimilar type compressor rotating sections to obtain the required pressure ratios and flows.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1993Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Inventor: Paul E. Ritenour
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Patent number: 5271454Abstract: Heat is removed from a spacecraft under zero gravity and under various accelerations, by a heat exchange contact between a cooling liquid or coolant and an evaporant or medium to be evaporated. The coolant flowing in at least one liquid cooling circulation circuit and the evaporant which is discharged in its vapor phase, are brought into heat exchange contact with each other in processing chambers forming at least two separate heat exchange stages, wherein different pressure and temperature conditions are set. The cooling liquid or coolant and the medium to be evaporated evaporant flow through these stages in sequence and in such a way that the coolant first flows through the stage with the highest pressure and the highest temperature, and then flows through the stages with successively lower pressure and/or temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: Erno Raumfahrttechnik GmbHInventor: Bernhard Leidinger
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Patent number: 5271240Abstract: An inner cooled compartment for receiving articles to be preserved has a vacuum environment in it for the prolonged preservation of articles. Door closures for the compartment is associated with vacuum release valves to allow the closures to open. The inner compartment to be subject to vacuum may comprise a refrigerator area of a conventional household refrigerator or the freezer compartment thereof, or both. The vacuum storage hereof also has particular application to the vegetable tray compartment of a refrigerator and may contain a self-contained vacuum producing flexible container. The vacuum pump may be combined with the refrigerator operating structure or may be a separate outside mounted unit connected by a conduit into the compartments.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: Arex, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Detrick, Ricky G. Ledbetter
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Patent number: 5261244Abstract: A cold trap includes a set of baffles cooled by the cold finger of a closed cycle refrigerator. The baffles are vertically disposed in a vertical fluid conduit with frustoconical and conical surfaces for directing liquid to a circular trough during regeneration. After the liquid is collected, it is blown from the trough through a pressure relief valve by a nitrogen purge. The trough is formed in the upper surface of a connecting flange at the lower end of the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1992Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Assignee: Helix Technology CorporationInventors: Philip A. Lessard, Douglas F. Aitken, Robert D. Bradford, Roland P. Graham, Steven A. Michaud, Karen J. Manning
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Patent number: 5236041Abstract: A condenser for removing vapor from freeze dryers and other vessels includes a three-stage cyclonic or turbine-like vapor distributor mounted for rotation about the axis of an elongated horizontal delivery tube extending through the axial center of the condenser chamber. The delivery tube mounts end and radial spray nozzles for selectively spraying cleansing fluid and sterilizing steam onto the interior surfaces of all components within the condenser chamber, including a plurality of condenser members arranged in radially offset configuration about the delivery tube in an optically dense configuration which requires vapors to impact the cold surfaces of the condenser members before contacting the inner surface of the enclosing condenser chamber. Optical density is achieved by providing the condenser member as sheets of metal formed with a serpentine passageway between them for the circulation of a coolant.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1991Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Hull CorporationInventor: John M. Fay
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Patent number: 5230221Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for cooling a product in a vacuum chamber which utilizes a door mounted in an opening portion of a vacuum tumbler chamber, a mechanism mounted on the door for injecting a coolant fluid into the tumbler chamber, a mechanism for rotating the tumbler chamber relative to the door and a vacuum mechanism for exhausting the coolant fluid from the tumbler chamber. The process includes the method of cooling a product in a vacuum chamber and which includes the steps of depositing the products in the vacuum chamber, subjecting the chamber to a vacuum, rotating the chamber, applying a coolant fluid to the products in the chamber; and exhausting the coolant fluid from the chamber by vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1990Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Inventor: David Delich
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Patent number: 5209078Abstract: An air cooler system for use in association with an air circulation system and having a process air heat exchanger for recovering heat from the process air in the system, a vacuum chamber with a vacuum chamber heat exchanger in communication with the process air heat exchanger so as to transfer heat from process air heat exchanger to the vacuum chamber heat exchanger, a water supply for supplying water to the vacuum chamber and, vacuum source to draw a predetermined degree of vacuum in the vacuum chamber so as to reduce the boiling point of water therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1991Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Inventors: Wayne E. Conrad, Richard S. Phillips, Andrew R. Phillips
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Patent number: 5199187Abstract: The subject invention provides a freeze dryer apparatus having an interim condensing system, preferably a refrigeratable condensing surface. The interim condensing system condenses vapors within the product chamber of the freeze dryer apparatus when the main condenser coil, which normally condenses vapors within the product chamber, needs to be defrosted. The refrigeratable condensing surface is preferably mounted inside the product chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1991Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: SP IndustriesInventor: David T. Sutherland
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Patent number: 5186242Abstract: A condenser is disclosed which is provided with a forced cooling system adapted to effect forced cooling of a gaseous coolant in the condenser by exchange of heat with water. This forced cooling system comprises an evaporation chamber disposed in a coolant inlet side flow path of the condenser and provided therein with fins, a vacuum tank (or a water pump) for circulating water in a closed flow path passed through the evaporation chamber, an orifice for decompressing the water being introducing into the evaporation chamber, and a control device for effecting circulation of water only when necessity arises. The water is aspirated, when necessary, by negative pressure from a water storage tank, decompressed to a prescribed saturated pressure by the use of the orifice and consequently atomized and allowed to flow into the evaporation chamber, and allowed to deprive the gaseous coolant at high temperature of a large amount of the latent heat of vaporization and consequently cool the gaseous coolant.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1991Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Assignee: Calsonic CorporationInventors: Tsunenari Adachi, Hitoshi Akasaka, Yutaka Moriyama
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Patent number: 5169502Abstract: An installation for processing liquids having at least one vaporizer used for the process liquid, a condenser arranged downstream from this vaporizer, and a vacuum pump. Additionally, a gas-ring compressor, positioned in the exhaust pipe between the vaporizer and the condenser, presses the vapors from the process liquid through the condenser. The process liquid is vaporized in the vaporizer under a vacuum and the vapors are carried by an exhaust pipe that is connected to the vaporizer through the condenser to the vacuum pump. Also, the process liquid, which is used as the cooling liquid for the condenser, is heated in the condenser and then recycled to the vaporizer.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1990Date of Patent: December 8, 1992Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Kurt-Willy Mugele
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Patent number: 5161610Abstract: An active cooling circuit through which cooling liquid circulates, is connected to an evaporation heat exchanger for cooling said cooling liquid when it has begun to warm. For this purpose, a housing encloses an evaporation chamber into which an evaporation fluid, such as water, is sprayed whereby the heat needed for the evaporation cools the cooling liquid passing through a gap between an inner and an outer wall forming said housing. The active cooling circuit passes through the gap in which eddy bodies are arranged in such positions relative to the normal flow direction of the cooling liquid through the gap to cause eddy currents in the cooling liquid flowing through the gap for an improved heat exchange. The discharge for the evaporated fluid is located at the same housing end where the spray nozzles for the injection of the evaporation fluid are located.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1991Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Assignee: ERNO Raumfahrttechnik GmbHInventor: Bernhard Leidinger
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Patent number: 5157940Abstract: A refrigerator, freezer or the like comprises a cabinet (1), a pump (6) for producing vacuum and, in a refrigeration compartment (10) thereof, a container (17) closable in a vacuum-tight manner and able to be moved within said compartment (10), said container (17) comprising a lid (19) guided to open and close during its movement by elements (40) associated with said lid (19), which moves in guide tracks (41) provided in opposing walls (16) of said compartment (10) or in elements (42) associated with said walls (16), there being provided on said lid (19) mobile members (48) associated with pins (46, 50) acting as hinges about which, during the movement of said lid (19), said members (48) rotate under the action of a thrust exerted by pusher means (51), said movement taking (48), during their rotation about said pins (46, 50), exceed an equilibrium position beyond which the pusher means (51) act to provide independent guided movement of said lid (19).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1991Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Assignee: Whirlpool International B.V.Inventors: Angelo Bertu, Giovanni Franzetti, Franco Germi
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Patent number: 5154007Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for distillation drying of one or more biological samples. The drying apparatus includes a retaining assembly, a vacuum assembly, cooling means, monitoring means and control means for actively regulating the temperature and pressure conditions of biological tissue so that such tissue may be dried without substantial ultrastructural damage.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1990Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Assignee: Board of Regents University of Texas SystemInventors: Carmen Piunno, Stephen Livesey, John G. Linner, Anthony A. del Campo, Mark J. Zaltzberg
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Patent number: 5131168Abstract: The product is frozen and freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus (1) containing a freeze-drying chamber (2) with shelves (6) for performing the freeze-drying and a condenser (11), the cooling surfaces of which are formed by a coiled tube (14) in a number of tube coil turns (15), and where the low temperature created by the condenser (11) is used to freeze the product. To carry out the freezing quickly and simply the product is put into trays or dishes (21) and these trays or dishes are positioned on the tube turns (15) of the condenser (11) already in operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1991Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Finn-Aqua Santasalo-Sohlberg GmbHInventors: Rainer Rilke, Manfred Steiner
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Patent number: 5111667Abstract: A two-stage cryopump having a refrigerator including a first stage and a second stage being colder than the first stage; a condensation member having a condensation surface; a first coupler for connecting the condensation member to the second stage in a thermally conducting manner; an adsorption member having an adsorption surface and being spaced from the condensation member; and a second coupler for connecting the adsorption member to the second stage in a heat conducting manner. There is further provided a heater for heating the adsorption member during time periods for regenerating the adsorption member. The second coupler is so designed that it thermally sufficiently insulates the adsorption member from the second stage and from the condensation member at least during heating periods of the adsorption member, for preventing heating the condensation member by the heater.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1991Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Leybold AGInventors: Hans-Ulrich Hafner, Hans-Hermann Klein, Uwe Timm