Means Utilizing Heat Developed By Refrigeration Producer Patents (Class 62/277)
  • Publication number: 20120312033
    Abstract: A condenser evaporator system includes: a condenser constructed for condensing a gaseous refrigerant from the source of compressed gaseous refrigerant; a controlled pressure receiver for holding liquid refrigerant; a first liquid refrigerant feed line for conveying liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the controlled pressure receiver; an evaporator for evaporating liquid refrigerant; and a second liquid refrigerant feed line for conveying liquid refrigerant from the controlled pressure receiver to the evaporator. The condenser evaporator system can be provided as multiple condenser evaporator systems operating from a source of compressed gaseous refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Fred Lingelbach, John Lingelbach
  • Publication number: 20120312042
    Abstract: Disclosed are a heat pump boiler and a control method for the same. The heat pump boiler includes an outdoor unit having an outdoor-unit heat-exchanger, a water pipe including a water-feed pipe and a water-return pipe connected to the outdoor unit to feed water to the outdoor unit or to return low-temperature or medium-temperature water produced in the outdoor unit to an external location, heat exchangers connected to the water pipe to produce medium-temperature or high-temperature water, a variable-capacity compressor connected to the heat exchangers, a buffer tank connected to the water pipe, and an externally-wound heat exchanger to collect waste heat radiated from the compressor. A temperature of water stored in the buffer tank is raised using the collected waste heat, and, during a defrosting operation, the water stored in the buffer tank is fed to the outdoor-unit heat-exchanger to defrost an evaporator of the outdoor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Woon Jeong, Sung Oug CHO, Kil Hong SONG, Rock Hee KIM, Sung Goo KIM
  • Patent number: 8316660
    Abstract: A defrost bypass dehumidifier includes an air flow path with first, second and third segments in series from upstream to downstream and passing ambient air respectively to an evaporator coil then to a condenser coil and then discharging same. The air flow path has a bypass segment passing ambient air to the evaporator coil in parallel with the noted first air flow path segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Todd DeMonte, Scott E. Sloan, Steve S. Dingle, Timothy S. O'Brien, Phillip R. Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20120279244
    Abstract: A self-contained beverage chilling apparatus including a refrigerant cooling system comprising a refrigerant reservoir in a fluid communication with a cold plate, a refrigerator accumulator, a compressor and a refrigerant condenser mounted within a housing unit. The housing unit further included beverage inlet means in fluid communication with the cooling system cold plate, and beverage dispenser means in fluid communication with the cold plate wherein the beverage to be dispensed is chilled to a desired temperature as it passes through the cold plate to the beverage dispensing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Cleland Sales Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Cleland
  • Publication number: 20120137710
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods can provide a damper assembly for transport refrigeration systems. One embodiment can include a damper assembly including a damper door configured to operate in a first position (e.g., closed), a second position (e.g., open), and at least one intermediate position. In one embodiment, a plurality of intermediate positions can be used to controllably vary a capacity of the transport refrigeration unit, or at least one component thereof. Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods can provide a damper assembly that can be accessed though an ambient portion of transport refrigeration systems or components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert C. Reimann, Timothy R. Campbell, Belin G. Czechowicz, Patrick McDonald, John R. Reason
  • Publication number: 20120102985
    Abstract: A heater is provided for elevating the temperature of a surface of a refrigerator above the dew point of air surrounding the surface so as to avoid condensation. Heat energy is recovered from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator by using a portion of the appliance's refrigeration loop to provide heat to the desired surface. A conductive element is connected with the desired surface and also placed into contact with a heated portion of the refrigeration loop to conduct heat energy therebetween. The surface and conductive element may be selectively removed and replaced from the refrigerator without the use of electric heating elements as conventionally required for removable surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Cory J. Tafoya, Mark Wayne Wilson, Brent Alden Junge
  • Publication number: 20120085117
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit is configured, which includes an electric compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, an evaporator, a hot gas introduction path connecting the electric compressor and the evaporator together, and a switching valve for controlling a flow of refrigerant in the hot gas introduction path. In addition, a fan is provided. In a defrosting cycle for introducing refrigerant into the evaporator through the hot gas introduction path to defrost the evaporator, if the pressure of the condenser is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the fan forms an air flow from a radiator to the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Makoto Ikemiya, Hisaaki Takaoka, Shigeto Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120055182
    Abstract: A CO2 refrigeration system comprises a refrigeration circuit in which circulates CO2 refrigerant between a compression stage in which the CO2 refrigerant is compressed. A condensation stage is provided in which the CO2 refrigerant releases heat and is accumulated in a condensation reservoir. An evaporation stage is provided in which the CO2 refrigerant is expanded to a gaseous state to absorb heat from a fluid for refrigeration, with at least a portion of CO2 refrigerant exiting the evaporation stage being directed to a supra-compression circuit comprising a supra-compression stage in which the portion of CO2 refrigerant is compressed. A heat exchanger is provided by which the compressed CO2 refrigerant is in a heat-exchange relation with a secondary-refrigerant circuit, such that the compressed CO2 refrigerant releases heat to a secondary refrigerant used for heating purposes. Pressure-regulating means control a pressure of the compressed CO2 refrigerant being returned to the condensation stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Serge Dubé
  • Publication number: 20110314843
    Abstract: A refrigeration device containing CO2 a refrigerant to be circulated, including a compressor, a heat-rejecting heat exchanger, an expansion, and an evaporator which are connected to one another. The refrigeration device includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a higher temperature relative to the first portion when the refrigeration device is in operation. A heat-reclaim heat exchanger is provided at a given location in the second portion, provided to transfer heat to a fluid for further use as a source of heated fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Bernd Heinbokel, Siegfried Haaf, Neelkanth S. Gupte, Ulf J. Jonsson, Tobias H. Sienel
  • Publication number: 20110289956
    Abstract: The present invention provides an energy efficient air conditioner that can provide a continuous supply of air at dew point that is several degrees Celsius below zero, without requiring a defrost cycle. The air conditioner in accordance to present invention comprises a plurality of cooling coils with interconnecting refrigerant piping, refrigeration circuit consisting of compressor and condenser coils, control circuit and one or more electric motor driven centrifugal fan. The present invention uses two cooling systems. The first cooling system having single coil cools the air to a temperature just above zero deg. C., say four deg. C. so that the second stage gets a steady supply of cold air. The second stage has two coils, each being half the size of the first stage coil, thus taking half the air from it so that all the air from stage 1 passes through stage 2. In operation, only one coil of the second stage is active arid chills the air going through it to say minus 14 Deg. C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Surendra Himatlal Shah
  • Publication number: 20110252816
    Abstract: An icemaker moisture removal and defrost assembly is provided in a refrigerator. Cooled refrigerant is provided to a refrigerant loop within an icemaker to cool an ice making cavity and a moisture removal portion of the icemaker. Moisture laden air from a refrigerator compartment is directed through airflow channels defined by a plurality of fins extending from the moisture removal portion of the icemaker, whereby moisture condenses on the fins in the form of ice. Dry air exiting the airflow channels is directed across an evaporator and back into the refrigerator compartment. During a defrost event, a heater within the icemaker is used to melt the ice formed on the fins. Alternatively, hot gas from a compressor is used to heat a refrigerant line flowing through the evaporator and/or the icemaker to melt ice formed on the evaporator and/or the icemaker during a defrost event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: TUSHAR KULKARNI, GUOLIAN WU
  • Publication number: 20110179816
    Abstract: A cold appliance, such as a household refrigerator or freezer, comprising a cooling module (102) and a cabinet (101). The cabinet has been assembled from pre-foamed panels comprising two opposite side wall panels (1), a rear wall panel (4), a top part (2), and a bottom part (103), which are connected essentially perpendicular to each other e.g. by means of mechanical and/or or glue joints, and a door (6). The cabinet comprises a condensation preventing device (160) comprising a heat carrier tube (28, 160) being positioned at a front frame portion of the cabinet of the cold appliance, preferably adjacent to a part of the door (6). The heat carrier tube being filled with a heat carrier fluid, being closed and having a boiler portion (172), which is arranged in thermal contact with a heat generating means (32) of said cooling module for boiling the heat carrier fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Bernt Andersson, Klas Andersson
  • Publication number: 20110079027
    Abstract: An embodiment of a probe includes a sensor and a support. The sensor is operable to provide an indication of a thickness of a frozen substance that has accumulated between the sensor and a cooling fin of a cooling unit, and the support is operable to hold the sensor spaced apart from the cooling fin. For example, a defrost controller may use an embodiment of such a probe to monitor an amount of frost build up on the fin or fins of a cooling unit (e.g., a refrigeration or freezer unit) so that the controller may initiate a defrost cycle only when warranted. Such a probe may be more reliable than other defrost-detection techniques, and such a defrost controller may increase the cooling and energy efficiencies of a cooling unit as compared to a cooling unit having a conventional defrost controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: THE CONTROLS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Ghan, James R. Conant
  • Patent number: 7908880
    Abstract: A compressor for a refrigerating device including a housing and an evaporation tray mounted on the housing. The evaporation tray is formed from a sleeve-like element mounting on the housing around a partial surface of the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Panagiotis Fotiadis, Hans Ihle, Helmut Konopa
  • Publication number: 20110041539
    Abstract: A method for dehumidifying a refrigeration system especially to dehumidify a refrigerated transporting container is disclosed. The refrigeration system comprises a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator, a compressor, an expansion valve and a condenser. The refrigeration system also comprises a control unit and a cooling space, the evaporator is placed in the cooling space and air blows over the evaporator to be cooled down. The dehumidification method is stepwise, and the method comprises a dehumidification mode and a re-establish mode. During the dehumidifying process the system shifts between the dehumidification mode and a re-establish mode stepwise dehumidifying the air in the container in such a way that the measured parameters especially the compartment temperature stays within acceptable limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Maersk Container Industri A/S
    Inventor: Morten Nylykke
  • Publication number: 20100269526
    Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically operating dehumidifiers in response to dehumidifier operating conditions are disclosed herein. A method of operating a dehumidifier configured in accordance with one embodiment includes directing air flow through the dehumidifier at a first volumetric flow rate while the dehumidifier is operating at a first operating condition. The method further includes changing the first volumetric flow rate to a second volumetric flow rate when the first operating condition of the dehumidifier changes to a predetermined second operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Pendergrass, Matthew Miller, Tom Schnelle, Larry White
  • Publication number: 20100170270
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided, in which some of a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers implement a defrosting operation and others implement a heating operation. The air conditioner includes a compressor to compress refrigerant, a hot gas pipe to which a part of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor is moved, a 4-way valve to which the remaining refrigerant compressed in the compressor is moved, an indoor heat exchanger in which the refrigerant, having passed through the 4-way valve, undergoes heat exchange with indoor air, and a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers, some of which implement a heating operation as the heat-exchanged refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger is moved therethrough while others implement a defrosting operation as the refrigerant having passed through the hot gas pipe is moved therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ji Young JANG, Chi Woo Song, Baik Young Chung, Sai Kee Oh
  • Patent number: 7716941
    Abstract: Multi-type air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit installed in an outdoor, comprising a compressor, a refrigerant flow controlling part connected to a discharge end of the compressor for guiding the refrigerant proper to operation conditions selectively, an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the refrigerant flow controlling part, a defrosting device at a side of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a piping system connected between the parts, a plurality of indoor units each installed in a room and having an indoor heat exchanger and an electronic expansion valve having one end connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger, and a distributor between the outdoor unit and the indoor units for selectively guiding refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the plurality of indoor units proper to operation conditions, and guiding the refrigerant passed through the indoor units to the outdoor unit again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Han Park, Young Min Park, Chang Seon Lee, Sung Oh Choi, Sung Chun Kim, Seung Yong Chang, Seok Ho Yoon, Baik Young Chung
  • Publication number: 20100077785
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an enclosure that is adapted to store and cool down food, a refrigeration circuit that cools down the inside of the enclosure and a condensate evaporation device. The refrigeration circuit includes an evaporator that evaporates coolant to cool down the inside of the enclosure and a condenser that condenses coolant. The condensate evaporation device includes a drain case into which condensate generated is collected, and a heating device that provides heat to the drain case to evaporate the condensate. The heating device includes a hot air guide device that guides air heated with heat generated by the condenser into the drain case. The hot air guide device includes an air duct that is provided between the drain case and the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Brian S. Kim
  • Patent number: 7665246
    Abstract: A door and frame assembly useful for commercial coolers and heaters comprises a door frame having an upper horizontal member and opposing side members with an insulated door fitted in the door opening between the sides and with a discontinuous heating element extending at least along one, and preferably both, of the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: William C. Wagner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7661275
    Abstract: An ice making has an ice making mold with a plurality of ice making cells opened at the bottom, a water tank, water spray nozzles adapted for spraying the water contained in the water tank towards the ice making cells, an ice bin adapted for storage of ice cubes formed in and harvested from the ice making cells, and an inclined plate having water spray openings and recovery openings and mounted between the ice making mold and the water spray nozzles. The ice making cells are each attached to a serpentine evaporator tube, which is cooled by a refrigeration system and also heated by way of electrical pulse energy. The electrical pulse heating of the ice making cells allows ice to be quickly and efficiently harvested from the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mile High Equipment L.L.C.
    Inventors: John A. Broadbent, William E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090272138
    Abstract: A condensate evaporation device for a refrigerator is provided. The condensate evaporation device includes a refrigerant pipe and a protecting tube. The refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows is installed near bottom of a pan containing condensate that flows out of the storage space so as to be immersed in the condensate. The protecting tube is disposed around at least a part of the refrigerant pipe. The protecting tube surrounds at least a part of the refrigerant pipe that is immersed in the condensate in the pan, such that the condensate does not contact and erode the refrigerant pipe directly. The protecting tube may surround the refrigerant pipe tightly to provide heat exchange between the refrigerant and the condensate via the refrigerant pipe and the protecting tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Brian S. Kim
  • Publication number: 20090173091
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-range composite-evaporator type cross-defrosting system for continuous heating operation under an environment temperature range from 20 degree to negative 40 degree Celsius. Said system employs a combination of two defrosting methods under different temperature and humidity conditions; the first defrosting method is used for the outdoor temperature range of 20 degree Celsius to 0 degree Celsius, the second defrosting method is used in the outdoor temperature range of 10 degree Celsius to negative 40 degree Celsius, and a control system will adjust the appropriate threshold for switching between the two defrosting methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Lung-Tan Hu
  • Publication number: 20090044557
    Abstract: A vapor compression system having a defrost cycle is disclosed. A compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve connected in a closed refrigerant loop with at least one flow control device. The at least one flow control device may control the flow of refrigerant through the closed refrigerant loop. At least one sensor monitors a predetermined parameter of the closed refrigerant loop and at least one controller receives a signal from the at least one sensor. The at least one controller controls the position of the at least one flow control device. The at least one controller initiates a defrost cycle in the closed refrigerant loop by substantially actuating at least one of the at least one flow control device to provide refrigerant flow from the compressor to the evaporator for substantially preventing formation of frost on the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Weber, James Christopher Perkins
  • Patent number: 7401473
    Abstract: A dual refrigerant refrigerating system provides a refrigeration cycle in which a primary refrigerant cools a secondary refrigerant in a primary evaporator into a partially frozen state, in which a fusion portion thereof is frozen. The primary refrigerant thus absorbs a secondary latent heat from secondary refrigerant, including a latent heat of fusion required for freezing the fusion portion. Secondary refrigerant is subsequently at least partially thawed, in a secondary evaporator, by re-absorption thereby of secondary latent heat from material proximal to secondary evaporator. Evaporation in secondary evaporator requires at least partial thawing of fusion portion, and thus latent heat of fusion is at least partially re-absorbed by secondary refrigerant, thus increasing secondary heat absorbed from material and facilitating refrigeration thereof. The system also provides defrost and heat reclaim capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Systems LMP Inc.
    Inventors: Gaétan Lesage, Jordan Kantchev
  • Patent number: 7204094
    Abstract: An air conditioner having a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units with a common piping connected via a common piping to transfer refrigerant therebetween, the air conditioner including a first outdoor unit to provide heat, a second outdoor unit to defrost a heat exchanger of the second outdoor unit, and a first refrigerant guide unit in the second outdoor unit to guide a flowing direction of the refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant discharged from the first outdoor unit is circulated through the heat exchanger of the second outdoor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Il Yong Cho
  • Patent number: 7165414
    Abstract: An improved air conditioner system for controlling a desired temperature and a reduced humidity level in a space to be environmentally controlled, that comprises an additional second heat exchanger and third heat exchanger in the separate indoor air flow path. The refrigerant circuit includes an anti-migration control device between the compressor and the second heat exchanger. An anti-floodback control device is located upstream of the compressor between the first heat exchanger in the indoor air path and the compressor. An expansion control device is also located in the refrigerant circuit between the heat exchanger in the outdoor air flow path and the heat exchanger in the indoor air flow path. The second heat exchanger effectively becomes a hot gas re-heat de-superheater heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger improves the efficiency by providing additional sub-cooling. The system enhances the latent capacity for providing dehumidified air of from 25–40 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: J. W. Wright, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Wright
  • Patent number: 7017353
    Abstract: An ice cube-making machine that is characterized by noiseless operation at the location where ice cubes are dispensed and be lightweight packages for ease of installation. The ice cube-making machine has an evaporator package, a separate compressor package and a separate condenser package. Each of these packages has a weight that can generally by handled by one or two installers for ease of installation. The noisy compressor and condenser packages can be located remotely of the evaporator package. The maximum height distance between the evaporator package and the condenser package is greatly enhanced by the three package system. A pressure regulator operates during a harvest cycle to limit flow of refrigerant leaving the evaporator, thereby increasing pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and assisting in defrost thereof. The evaporator can be integrated with a beverage dispenser and an ice dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignees: Scotsman Ice Systems, Mile High Equipment Company
    Inventors: David Brett Gist, Matthew Allison, Daniel Leo Ziolkowski, Michael Kraus, Michael J. Andresen
  • Patent number: 6993924
    Abstract: A floating loop vehicle component cooling and air-conditioning system having at least one compressor for compressing cool vapor refrigerant into hot vapor refrigerant; at least one condenser for condensing the hot vapor refrigerant into hot liquid refrigerant by exchanging heat with outdoor air; at least one floating loop component cooling device for evaporating the hot liquid refrigerant into hot vapor refrigerant; at least one expansion device for expanding the hot liquid refrigerant into cool liquid refrigerant; at least one air conditioning evaporator for evaporating the cool liquid refrigerant into cool vapor refrigerant by exchanging heat with indoor air; and piping for interconnecting components of the cooling and air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: John S. Hsu, Curtis W. Ayers, Chester Coomer, Laura D. Marlino
  • Patent number: 6971245
    Abstract: An auger type ice making machine is provided with a control unit for causing a hot gas valve to open and for causing a heater disposed in the vicinity of ice compression passages to perform heating for a time period longer than the opening period of the hot gas valve, in accordance with a detection result from a rotation detecting sensor which detects rotation of a motor rotating an auger. The opening period of the hot gas valve and the heating period of the heater consist of, respectively: a basic opening period and a basic heating period, each corresponding to a time period during which the rpm of the auger is not higher than a threshold value, and an additional opening period and an additional heating period which are respectively added to the basic opening period and the basic heating period and begin at the time when the auger rpm exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Kuroyanagi
  • Patent number: 6931880
    Abstract: A method of defrosting of a heat exchanger (evaporator) in a vapor compression system including, downstream of a heat exchanger (evaporator) (3) to be defrosted, at least a compressor (1), a second heat exchanger (condenser/heat rejecter) (2), and an expansion device (6) connected by conduits in an operable manner to form an integral closed circuit. The heat exchanger (3) to be defrosted is subjected to essentially the same pressure as the compressor's (1) discharge pressure. Thus, the heat exchanger (3) is defrosted as the high-pressure discharge gas from the compressor (1) flows through to the heat exchanger, giving off heat to the heat exchanger (3). In the circuit, in connection with the expansion device (6) a first bypass loop 23 with a first valve (16?), is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Sinvent AS
    Inventors: KĂĄre Aflekt, Einar Brendeng, Armin Hafner, Petter NeksĂĄ, Jostein Pettersen, HĂĄvard Rekstad, Geir Skaugen, Gholam Reza Zakeri
  • Patent number: 6931863
    Abstract: In a Stirling refrigerator, waste heat rejected from the heat rejecter of a Stirling refrigerating device is transferred by way of dew prevention heat pipes to heat the open side of the refrigerator. This makes it possible to prevent condensation of moisture on the open side of the refrigerator, where dew tends to collect as a door is opened or closed or in other situations, in an effective and energy-saving manner without using a heater, and thereby alleviate the load on the heat-rejecting heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Masaaki Masuda
  • Patent number: 6928830
    Abstract: A refrigeration unit is provided with a manually operated fresh air vent made up of a cap assembly and a handle assembly which move together in a linear/axial direction. The handle assembly is rotatable to change the position of the fresh air vent. The fresh air vent controls both the providing of fresh air to the circulating air in the trailer and the exhausting of a portion of the circulating air. The evaporator fan is run continuously when the air vent is open to prevent the build up of gases produced by the perishable cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Simeone, Yiming Yu, Mark J. Perkovich
  • Patent number: 6907743
    Abstract: Method for controlling and optimising the cycle for production of ice cream depending on the mixtures used in the ice-cream making machine, comprising a freezing cylinder exchanging heat with the evaporator of a refrigerating circuit, and a stirrer/scraper element rotating inside said freezing cylinder and actuated by a suitable electric motor, and further comprising a processing element, sensors for detecting continuously the temperature values of the refrigerating gas at the inlet and at the outlet of the evaporator and means for detecting continuously the value of the electric power used by the motor, said temperature values and said values for the electric power used by the motor being continuously input into said processing element; a software program in said processor for processing said values being able to provide an output signal which drives an impulse solenoid valve which introduces continuously the hot gases removed from the exhaust of the compressor into the main stream of refrigerating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A. - Carpigiani Group
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Patent number: 6907663
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising an outer casing defining an outer appearance thereof, and an inner casing accommodated in the outer casing, forming a storage chamber, further comprising a heat pipe unit having an evaporator pipe disposed to surround at least one portion of the inner casing, forming a refrigerant path, a heater pipe disposed in parallel with the evaporator pipe, and a connection part connecting the evaporator pipe and the heater pipe, enabling a heat transfer therebetween. With this configuration, there is provided a refrigerator enhancing cooling, ripeness and defrost performances and the productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD
    Inventors: Kwon-cheol Yoon, Sak-hang Park
  • Patent number: 6887046
    Abstract: An impeller pump with thermostatically adjustable guide vanes is suitable for use as an automotive coolant pump. The pump is driven by a constant speed electric motor, and flow variation is controlled by varying the orientation of the vanes. Orientation of the vanes is effected by a wax-type thermostat, which senses coolant temperature: flow is increased when the coolant is hot, and decreased as the coolant cools. The variable guide vanes are mounted for pivoting about radial axes, and are located just upstream from the pump impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Flowork Systems II LLC
    Inventors: Walter Otto Repple, John Robert Lewis Fulton
  • Patent number: 6880353
    Abstract: A vapor compression system including a refrigerant circuit having operably coupled thereto, in serial order, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. A valve is disposed within refrigerant circuit between first heat exchanger and expansion device, and has a first position and a second position. A defrost circuit having operably coupled thereto a third heat exchanger defines an inlet in fluid communication with refrigerant circuit through valve when valve is in second position, and an outlet disposed in refrigerant circuit between inlet and expansion device. A check valve is disposed in defrost circuit between third heat exchanger and outlet. The check valve allows refrigerant to return to refrigerant circuit through outlet and prevents refrigerant from entering third heat exchanger via outlet. The refrigerant flows through third heat exchanger and second heat exchanger when valve is in second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Zer Kai Yap, James L. Douglas
  • Patent number: 6854277
    Abstract: An ice cube-making machine that is characterized by noiseless operation at the location where ice cubes are dispensed and be lightweight packages for ease of installation. The ice cube-making machine has an evaporator package, a separate compressor package and a separate condenser package. Each of these packages has a weight that can generally by handled by one or two installers for ease of installation. The noisy compressor and condenser packages can be located remotely of the evaporator package. The maximum height distance between the evaporator package and the condenser package is greatly enhanced by the three package system. A pressure regulator operates during a harvest cycle to limit flow of refrigerant leaving the evaporator, thereby increasing pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and assisting in defrost thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignees: Scotsman Ice Systems, Mile High Equipment Co.
    Inventors: David Brett Gist, Matthew Allison, Daniel Leo Ziolkowski
  • Patent number: 6817195
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for defrosting an evaporator of a refrigeration sealed system is described. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to an evaporator fan, a condenser fan and a defrost heater, and the method includes operating the sealed system until a selected time till defrost interval expires, initiating a defrost cycle when the time till defrost interval expires, and selectively operating the sealed system to raise a temperature of the evaporator while the defrost heater is inactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Rafalovich, Ziqiang Hu, Anil Kumar Tummala, Richard DeVos
  • Publication number: 20040165999
    Abstract: There is provided a rotary compressor capable of preventing deterioration of performance following plug fixing carried out to prevent falling-off of a spring member. The rotary compressor comprises a cylinder constituting a rotary compression element, a roller engaged with an eccentric portion formed in a rotary shaft of an electric element, and eccentrically rotated in the cylinder, a vane abutted on the roller to divide an inside of the cylinder into a low pressure chamber side and a high pressure chamber side, a spring member for always pressing the vane to the roller side, a housing portion of the spring member, formed in the cylinder, and opened to the vane side and a hermetically sealed container side, a plug positioned in the hermetically sealed container side of the spring member, and inserted into the housing portion to fit into a gap, and an O ring attached around the plug to seal a part between the plug and the housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD
    Inventors: Masaya Tadano, Haruhisa Yamasaki, Kenzo Matsumoto, Dai Matsuura, Kazuya Sato, Takayasu Saito, Toshiyuki Ebara, Satoshi Imai, Atsushi Oda, Takashi Sato, Hiroyuki Matsumori
  • Publication number: 20040154329
    Abstract: There is provided a rotary compressor capable of preventing deterioration of performance following plug fixing carried out to prevent falling-off of a spring member. The rotary compressor comprises a cylinder constituting a rotary compression element, a roller engaged with an eccentric portion formed in a rotary shaft of an electric element, and eccentrically rotated in the cylinder, a vane abutted on the roller to divide an inside of the cylinder into a low pressure chamber side and a high pressure chamber side, a spring member for always pressing the vane to the roller side, a housing portion of the spring member, formed in the cylinder, and opened to the vane side and a hermetically sealed container side, a plug positioned in the hermetically sealed container side of the spring member, and inserted into the housing portion to fit into a gap, and an O ring attached around the plug to seal a part between the plug and the housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaya Tadano, Haruhisa Yamasaki, Kenzo Matsumoto, Dai Matsuura, Kazuya Sato, Takayasu Saito, Toshiyuki Ebara, Satoshi Imai, Atsushi Oda, Takashi Sato, Hiroyuki Matsumori
  • Publication number: 20040134205
    Abstract: Multi-type air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit installed in an outdoor, comprising a compressor, a refrigerant flow controlling part connected to a discharge end of the compressor for guiding the refrigerant proper to operation conditions selectively, an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the refrigerant flow controlling part, a defrosting device at a side of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a piping system connected between the parts, a plurality of indoor units each installed in a room and having an indoor heat exchanger and an electronic expansion valve having one end connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger, and a distributor between the outdoor unit and the indoor units for selectively guiding refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the plurality of indoor units proper to operation conditions, and guiding the refrigerant passed through the indoor units to the outdoor unit again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Han Park, Young Min Park, Chang Seon Lee, Sung Oh Choi, Sung Chun Kim, Seung Yong Chang, Seok Ho Yoon, Baik Young Chung
  • Patent number: 6748759
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a medium condenser having a plurality of vertical cooling fins having extra length extended both upwardly and downwardly from an ordinary portion of medium coil path for greatly increasing the cooling efficiency thereof, and a drip-drop type water feeding box for feeding water drops to a top of cooling fins densely but intermittently to let each of water drop remain in the space between opposite surfaces of adjacent cooling fins a short period of time and start to slide down the surface of a cooling fin as a next drop of water is delivered to provide enough time for evaporation so as to absorb a large quantity of latent heat and increase cooling efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ho-Hsin Wu
  • Patent number: 6745583
    Abstract: Disclosed are a defrosting apparatus of an air conditioner and a method thereof. The defrosting apparatus includes a temperature sensor for sensing a pipe temperature of an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor temperature; a comparator for comparing the sensed pipe temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger and the sensed outdoor temperature, and generating and outputting a comparison signal; and a valve controller for increasing an opening value of an LEV (Linear Expansion Valve) at a defrosting operation and decreasing the opening value of the LEV at a defrosting operation termination. The apparatus and the method can increase efficiency of the defrosting operation and reduce a period of time required for performing the defrosting operation by determining the defrosting operation based on a difference between a pipe temperature of an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor temperature and increasing an opening value of an LEV at the defrosting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Min Ho So, Won Hee Lee, Chang Min Choi, Yoon Jei Hwang, Deok Huh, Cheol Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20040103681
    Abstract: Method for defrosting of a heat exchanger (evaporator) in a vapor compression system including, beyond a heat exchanger (evaporator) (3) to be defrosted, at least a compressor (1), a second heat exchanger (condenser/heat rejecter) (2) and an expansion device (6) connected by conduits in an operable manner to form an integral closed circuit. The heat exchanger (3) to be defrosted is subjected to essentially the same pressure as the compressor's (1) discharge pressure whereby the heat exchanger (3) is defrosted as the high-pressure discharge gas from the compressor (1) flows through to the heat exchanger, giving off heat to the said heat exchanger (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Kare Aflekt, Einar Brendeng, Armin Hafner, Petter Neksa, Jostein Pettersen, Havard Rekstad, Geir Skaugen, Gholam Reza Zakeri
  • Publication number: 20040089012
    Abstract: In a Stirling refrigerator, waste heat rejected from the heat rejecter of a Stirling refrigerating device is transferred by way of dew prevention heat pipes to heat the open side of the refrigerator. This makes it possible to prevent condensation of moisture on the open side of the refrigerator, where dew tends to collect as a door is opened or closed or in other situations, in an effective and energy-saving manner without using a heater, and thereby alleviate the load on the heat-rejecting heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Masaaki Masuda
  • Patent number: 6701739
    Abstract: A modular refrigeration system having an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and expansion device fluidly connected by a plurality of conduits. The modular refrigeration system includes an integral base plate to which the evaporator, condenser, expansion device, and compressor are mounted. A compressor mount is formed in the base plate and includes at least one integrally formed stud extending from the base plate. The compressor has at least one mounting flange in which the stud is received. A fastener is affixed to the stud to secure the compressor to the base plate. A drain pan is formed in the base plate beneath the compressor to collect condensate. A drain basin is located beneath the evaporator and is fluidly connected to the drain pan via a trough. Condensate from the evaporator drains to the drain pan where it is evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Morse
  • Publication number: 20040040329
    Abstract: Refrigeration compressor provided with a pan (18) for the evaporation of defrost water, attached to the shell (13) of the compressor by means of a profile section (19) that is applied so as to engage a through-aperture (22) provided in the body of the pan. The profile section (19) is adapted to get hooked on, with its V-shaped lower end portion, to one of the pipes (30) that shoot out of the compressor. The solution is simple and rational, enabling a single type of pan to be used for differently rated and, therefore, differently sized compressors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Franco Faggiani, Johann Neubauer
  • Patent number: 6666043
    Abstract: There is provided a dewfall preventing device of a refrigerator for preventing dew from forming on the contact portion of a refrigerator case and a door, the device comprising a heat exchanger for concentrating the waste heat generated from a compressor with contacted to the compressor of the refrigerator and a thermosyphon, its two ends connected to the heat exchanger, and having a working fluid phase-transferred into a gas phase after heat-exchanging with the waste heat from the compressor, move along the hot line, vaporize the dew forming on the contact portion of a refrigerator case and a door by the radiation of the heat, transferred into a liquid phase, fallen down by gravitation, and introduced back into the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Myung Ryul Lee
  • Publication number: 20030230104
    Abstract: A modular refrigeration system having an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and expansion device fluidly connected by a plurality of conduits. The modular refrigeration system includes an integral base plate to which the evaporator, condenser, expansion device, and compressor are mounted. A compressor mount is formed in the base plate and includes at least one integrally formed stud extending from the base plate. The compressor has at least one mounting flange in which the stud is received. A fastener is affixed to the stud to secure the compressor to the base plate. A drain pan is formed in the base plate beneath the compressor to collect condensate. A drain basin is located beneath the evaporator and is fluidly connected to the drain pan via a trough. Condensate from the evaporator drains to the drain pan where it is evaporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Morse