Retainer Or Flow Director For Atmospheric Condensate Patents (Class 62/285)
  • Publication number: 20120047935
    Abstract: Air conditioning units packaged with condensing gas heat exchangers include a drain line connected to a collector attached to the heat exchanger. In different embodiments, the drain line, or a conduit for the drain line, may extend to the return duct opening for routing of the drain line through the return duct for disposal of the condensate, for instance, within the building, or the drain line may extend through a hole in the floor of the unit. The conduit may protect the drain line from direct heat from the heat exchanger, from freezing where the drain line passes through an outdoor section, or both. In some embodiments, air may be circulated through the conduit to prevent freezing. The conduit may guide the drain line through the unit, roof curb assembly, or roof, or the drain line may be routed through the unit by the manufacturer to the return duct opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: NORDYNE Inc.
    Inventors: Allan J. Reifel, Russell W. Hoeffken, David W. Garvin
  • Patent number: 8113009
    Abstract: An electronic cooling apparatus has a cabinet which is open at the front and rear sides thereof and accommodates plural electronic devices each having a fan, and a rear door which is provided with an evaporator. Air blown by the fan is cooled by the evaporator and then returned to a room. An expansion valve and control. A drain pan with an extension portion having hole portions through which refrigerant pipes extend is provided. A drain hose discharges drain water from the drain pan. An exhaust heat temperature detecting unit and a control for controlling the refrigerant supply to the evaporator are provided. When the exhaust heat temperature is equal to or less than a set exhaust temperature, the controller stops the refrigerant supply to the evaporator. When the exhaust heat temperature exceeds the set temperature, the controller starts the refrigerant supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kuriyama, Kazuo Nomura, Kazutoyo Kagami, Junichi Saito, Takashi Sekine, Koji Nagae, Shigetaka Nishino
  • Patent number: 8104302
    Abstract: There is disclosed a low-temperature showcase in which dew condensation water from outer surfaces of transparent walls is securely treated and in which air can smoothly be blown from a mechanical chamber to the outer surfaces of the transparent walls. The low-temperature showcase includes a showroom having the transparent walls, the mechanical chamber constituted under this showroom, and a cooling unit constituted of a compressor, a condenser, a fan for the condenser and the like arranged in the mechanical chamber. The low-temperature showcase further comprises blow-off portions which are formed at lower portions of the transparent walls and which blow air discharged from the fan for the condenser in the mechanical chamber toward outer surfaces of the transparent walls, and water receiving portions which are defined between the blow-off portions and the outer surfaces of the transparent walls and which allows inflow of dew condensation water flowing down along the outer surfaces of the transparent walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hayase, Kazuo Tetsukawa
  • Patent number: 8074463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blocking element which prevent outside air from introducing into an evaporator while operating a refrigerator, wherein defrost water is prevented from freezing at a connection between a drain pan and a drain hose, as outside air is introduced into the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seon Wook Bang
  • Patent number: 8069681
    Abstract: A cross-flow heat exchanger, method of making a cross-flow heat exchanger, and a dehumidifier are provided. The cross-flow heat exchanger has an axial flow path extending through the heat exchanger from an inlet to an outlet and a transverse flow path oriented transversely to the axial flow path and extending through the heat exchanger from an inlet to an outlet. The transverse flow path is adjacent to and separate from the axial flow path. The surface area of the inlet of the axial flow path is less than the surface area of the outlet of the axial flow path. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger has an exterior shape that is trapezoidal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: David M. Cink, Vincent Yu, Kenneth C. Gehring, Timothy S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20110289943
    Abstract: A condensate collection system or arrangement for use in combination an energy recovery system of a paint booth arrangement comprises upper and lower baffle arrangements axially staggered relative to one another. The upper baffle arrangement comprises a series of parallel, diversion structures, and the lower baffle arrangement comprises a series of parallel trough structures. The trough structures are staggered relative to the diversion structures such that an upwardly directed air stream is directed through the trough and diversion structures into the energy recovery system. Condensate, formed via the energy recovery system, is directed from the energy recovery system through spacing the diversion structures into the trough structures. The trough structures are in fluid communication with a common outlet that directs the condensate stream away from the condensate collection system. Certain condensate collection methodology is further contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Geoff A. Raifsnider
  • Patent number: 8056355
    Abstract: The invention relates to a HVAC drainage system. There is a need for an HVAC drainage system which operates well in a vehicle which moves over rough terrain. An HVAC unit is mounted at a central portion of an inner roof panel over an air inlet opening. A collection recess is formed by the panel and surrounds the air inlet opening. Concentric walls formed by the inner roof panel in the collection recess surrounding the HVAC unit. Each wall has one or more gaps formed therein. The gaps in adjacent walls are mis-aligned with respect to each other so that fluid is prevented from flowing in a straight line through gaps in adjacent walls. Drainage ports are formed in the inner roof panel. Drainage grooves formed in the inner roof panel communicate the collection recess with corresponding drainage ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Bruss, Kyle D. Seibold
  • Patent number: 8037708
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for manufacturing the same. The refrigerator includes a main body which has a specified space and a open front surface, and a plate having a specified thickness, in which the plate is inserted into the main body through one side of the open front surface of the main body to sectionalize the space provided in the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nam Soo Cho, Youn Seok Lee, Kyeong Yun Kim, Su Nam Chae, Sang Oh Kim, Jang Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 8037707
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base pan constituting a lower appearance: and a condensed water detector detecting the amount of condensed water collected on the base pan. The air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a base pan constituting a lower appearance; a blower unit provided at one side of the base pan to guide a flow of air; and a motor providing a fan with a rotational power, wherein a motor support supporting the motor is further installed on the base pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Ho Lee, Moon Shin Kim
  • Publication number: 20110232313
    Abstract: The present application provides a chiller condensate system. The chiller condensate system may include a chiller that produces a flow of condensate, a condensate drain system positioned about the chiller to collect the flow of condensate, and a heat exchanger in communication with the condensate drain system for the flow of condensate to flow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rahul Chillar, Julio Mestroni, Steven Hartman, Siddharth Upadhyay
  • Patent number: 8006510
    Abstract: In an indoor equipment of an air conditioner in which a heat exchanger, a blower, and a drain pan receiving a drain water having been condensed at mentioned heat exchanger below the heat exchanger are contained in an internal part of the indoor equipment housing including an air inlet and an air outlet; and a back portion of the drain pan is faced to an air flow path communicating with mentioned air outlet, and a stabilizer is disposed at an end portion on the upstream side of the air flow path of this drain pan, the drain pan 4 is integrally formed of a drain pan body 41 and a stabilizer portion 42 by injection molding; and a concave portion 40 is formed on the air flow path side in the vicinity of the boundary between the drain pan body and the stabilizer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Teruo Miyamoto, Mitsuhiro Shirota, Isao Okano, Masahiro Motooka, Tetsuya Tazawa, Shinsuke Nakahata, Yohei Kawahara
  • Patent number: 8006511
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, Prashant Bhat, Ryan LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Otis L. Clapp
  • Publication number: 20110197614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehumidification system for a vehicle, which is developed to remove humidity from the vehicle interior through a separate path from an air-conditioner or a cooling system, installed in the existing vehicle. An air-conditioning system for the vehicle has a circulation path in which an inner refrigerant passes through an evaporator with a blower fan blowing air into the interior of the vehicle from a condenser via an expansion valve, and the inner refrigerant is returned to the condenser by a compressor. The dehumidification system for the vehicle comprises a water jacket, a heat-exchanger, and a circulation conduit. The water jacket with a conduit which is extended therein for heat absorption is positioned close to the vehicle engine to absorb the heat thereof. The heat-exchanger is located on the path in which the vehicle's interior air is circulated and cooled by the blower fan and removes the humidity by condensing the surrounding air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Geon-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7992405
    Abstract: A drain pan and a method for fabricating a drain pan for use with an air conditioner, the drain pan having a plastic drain having plastic threads, with an insert disposed within the plastic drain to prevent the fracturing of the plastic threads when a steel pipe is threaded into the plastic drain. The insert may be a metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Stan W. Cushen
  • Patent number: 7992401
    Abstract: An evaporator includes a plurality of flat heat exchange tubes arranged in a left-right direction at a spacing with the widthwise direction thereof pointing forward or rearward, and fins arranged between respective adjacent pairs of heat exchange tubes. The fins have at least front edges thereof projected forwardly outward beyond the heat exchange tubes. Assuming that the amount of projection of the fins beyond the heat exchange tubes is X mm and that the heat exchange tubes are Y mm in thickness in the left-right direction, i.e., in height, X and Y have the relationship of 0.11Y?X?1.0Y. The surfaces of the fins can be drained of condensation water efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Naohisa Higashiyama
  • Publication number: 20110167858
    Abstract: A cold appliance, such as a refrigerator or a freezer, comprising a cabinet (101) having a cold compartment (104) and a cooling module (102). The cooling module comprises an air outlet (43) delivering cooled air to the cold compartment, an air inlet (44) receiving air from the cold compartment, an evaporator (33), and an evaporator fan (42), which generates an air flow from the air inlet, through the evaporator, and out of the air outlet. The cooling module further comprises a pre-defrost device (47), which is arranged adjacent to the evaporator, such that the air from the cold compartment is guided by the pre-defrost device before reaching the evaporator such that at least some humidity in the air sticks to the pre-defrost device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Bernt Andersson, Klas Andersson
  • Publication number: 20110167844
    Abstract: In general terms, this disclosure is directed towards a vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system comprises material specifically designed to recondense vapor during defrost cycle. This material would be of sufficient thermal mass to remain at a lower temperature during the defrost cycle. The vapor may be condensed directly in the evaporator compartment or indirectly by removing the vapor to a remotely located recondense medium. The vapor recovery system may comprise of at least one vapor tube, a fan, and a vapor recondenser. The vapor collection tube is located proximate an evaporator. The fan is in fluid communication with the vapor collection tube and the vapor recondenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Sean Edward Drury
  • Patent number: 7971448
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a heat-exchanger positioned in an outdoor unit and configured to conduct heat-exchange between air provided from outside of the outdoor unit and a refrigerant. The air conditioner also includes a fan configured to generate a flow of the air that is from the heat-exchanger to an outlet of the outdoor unit. The air conditioner further includes a driving unit configured to provide a driving force to the fan. In addition, the air conditioner includes a first member positioned in the flow of the air generated by the fan and a second member configured to guide a flow of the air to reduce collision between the air and the first member when the fan is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Yup Kim, Byoung Chan Kim, Hyung Tae Kim, Dong Soo Lee
  • Publication number: 20110146277
    Abstract: A system and method improves cold start performance of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) plant. The system includes one or more pumps configured to pump condensed fluid from points of natural accumulation of the condensed fluid within an ORC loop back into a corresponding low pressure liquid storage vessel shortly after shutting down the ORC plant to ensure the start-up routine works properly for the next ORC plant start event. One or more of the pumps can also be configured to pump fluid away from the ORC expansion machine(s) at any time prior to starting the ORC if the fluid is in a liquid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Herbert Kopecek, Gabor Ast, Sebastian Freund, Thomas Johannes Frey, Pierre Sebastian Huck, Simon Schoewel
  • Publication number: 20110126565
    Abstract: An incubator includes: an enclosure including a culture chamber; a heater configured to heat the culture chamber; a refrigerator including an evaporator and a condenser, and configured to cool the culture chamber; a temperature sensor configured to measure the culture chamber temperature; a refrigerator control unit configured to cause the refrigerator to operate, when a measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor reaches a refrigerator-operation temperature, higher than the set temperature by a first temperature, and cause the refrigerator to stop operating, when the measured temperature reaches a refrigerator-operation stopping temperature, lower than the set temperature by a second temperature; a heater control unit configured to control the heater in such a manner that the measured temperature reaches the refrigerator-operation temperature, when operation of the refrigerator is stopped; and a drain mechanism configured to discharge dew condensation water generated through heat absorption by th
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Tsuruma
  • Patent number: 7950245
    Abstract: In a refrigerator, cold air discharged from a cold air fan is guided by a guide member such that it flows directly to an evaporator. The guide member reduces flow of air through a gap between an inner surface of a cold air generating compartment and the evaporator. The guide member also includes a drainage portion configured to guide defrost water generated at the cold air fan to a position beneath the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youn Seok Lee, Jang Seok Lee, Min Kyu Oh, Kyeong Yun Kim, Su Nam Chae
  • Publication number: 20110121599
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a housing defining an auxiliary aperture, an occupant aperture, a circulation aperture, an inlet opening, a drip aperture, having at least one treatment device disposed therein, and defines a pre-treatment space between the inlet opening and the treatment device. An instrument panel has a façade and a backside opposite the façade and defines a passage extending from the façade to the backside and terminates at the housing. An auxiliary article module is disposed in the passage, abuts the housing and has walls defining an auxiliary article compartment, an auxiliary hole, an outer circulation hole, and a drip hole. The holes and their corresponding apertures are aligned and abutting for receiving air and liquid between the housing and the auxiliary article compartment. A circulation duct extends between the circulation aperture and the pre-treatment space for carrying air therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Goupil, JR., Mark W. Stevenson, John L. Pawlak, III
  • Patent number: 7934388
    Abstract: Grooves are formed on a back surface 22 of a tongue part 21 of a rear plate 3 which surface does not guide a flow of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Yasutomi, Masayuki Kojima, Masuzou Takahashi, Toshihiro Wakamatsu
  • Publication number: 20110094219
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a charge air cooler coupled to an engine. One example method comprises collecting condensate discharged from the cooler in a condensation trap coupled to an outside surface of a bend in an outlet duct of the cooler; during a first condition, temporarily storing the condensate in a reservoir of the condensation trap; and, during first and second conditions, releasing the condensate to the outlet duct in a direction of airflow via a tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: James Raymond Palm
  • Patent number: 7930898
    Abstract: An air conditioning drain device essentially comprising a tubular pipe assembly, a flapper assembly, and a service port assembly. The device automatically engages a flapper valve that prevents the reverse flow of condensate water from entering a dwelling unit that shares a common drain line with multiple units, while at the same time allowing for quick and easy flushing of blockages in the drain line without causing water damage to the interior of the dwelling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Bryce Laufenberg, Gary H Laufenberg
  • Patent number: 7927406
    Abstract: The water droplet generating system includes a vessel, an opening/closing valve, a moisture absorbent member, and a condenser portion. The vessel has an opening portion. The opening/closing valve opens and closes the opening portion. The water absorbent member absorbs and releases water vapor depending on a change of humidity. The condenser portion is communicated with the inside of the vessel and cools water vapor released from the moisture absorbent member to be at a dew point of water vapor or less. When the opening portion is opened, the moisture absorbent member absorbs water vapor in atmosphere. When the opening portion is closed, the moisture absorbent member releases water vapor, and the condenser portion condenses water vapor, which is released from the moisture absorbent member, to generate a water droplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihisa Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20110079035
    Abstract: A draining device for air control equipment has a bottom shell, a top shell, a knob, a switch and a connecting device. The bottom and top shells are connected to each other. The top shell has two inclined recesses. The knob is mounted through the top shell and has two sliding protrusions mounted in the inclined recesses and two tabs. The switch is mounted in the bottom shell and has a button. The connecting device has a connecting tube, a flange and an end protrusion. The connecting tube is mounted through the top shell. The flange is formed around the connecting tube and is mounted across the tabs. The end protrusion abuts the button. When the knob is rotated, the sliding protrusions move along the inclined recesses to force the knob moving downward. Therefore, the end protrusion pushes the button to turn on the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Chiu
  • Patent number: 7908879
    Abstract: A multifunctional ceiling air-conditioning circulation machine includes a base having a square fixing frame mounted around the periphery of the base and a concave circular groove formed at the middle of the base, a circular evaporator installed on the concave circular groove, a fan installed in the evaporator, and a water pump installed in an extended area on an external side of the concave circular groove for discharging condensate water dripped from the evaporator to the concave circular groove to the outside through a drain pipe. The machine integrates the multiple of functions including a circulation fan, an air conditioner, an air guide and an air re-circulation into the machine mounted onto a ceiling or a light steel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Yung-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7895849
    Abstract: A dehumidifier with multistage draining has a container that collects and stores condensed water from a dehumidifying assembly, a float mounted in the container, a float actuator connected to the float and a drain motor connected to the float actuator and an attachment actuator having a switch. When an external pipe is connected to the attachment connector to switch on the switch and the condensed water in the container gradually raises the float to switch on the float actuator, the drain motor is switched on to pump the condensed water out of the container. The dehumidifier automatically drains condensed water in the container according to the quantity of the condensed water, does not have to be cleared frequently and is convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: New Widetech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Chiu
  • Patent number: 7878019
    Abstract: A one-piece liquid-level float switch housing and drain line assembly for use with a collection tray or pan to collect condensate and shut off the source of condensate production when it exceeds a pre-established threshold level. The assembly is configured for rapid connection through a pre-formed drain line opening in the perimeter wall of a condensate collection tray/pan to place the deployable float body within its housing in a level orientation relative to the tray/pan without additional leveling adjustment. The housing has an open bottom and vertically-extending slots providing fluid inlet, debris blocking, and air venting functions for enhanced float body operation. The condensate pan/tray used with the assembly has a nesting configuration that includes a perimeter wall with varying combinations of gussets, curved ribs, angled corner configurations, and support shelves, and a central bottom surface with raised patterns, all of which strengthen the tray/pad during installation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino
  • Publication number: 20110016904
    Abstract: A dehumidifier for continuously draining water generated by dehumidification to an external side is provided. The continuous drain-type dehumidifier includes a case having an air inlet and outlet, a dehumidifying unit that remove moisture from air introduced through the air inlet and discharges the air through the air outlet, a middle part member having a bottom portion on which water generated by the dehumidifying unit is dropped and provided with a water outlet, and a water leakage preventing unit that is provided on the water outlet to prevent the water from leaking. The water leakage preventing unit includes a drain nipple cap inserted into the water outlet, a drain nipple snap-fitted to the drain nipple cap, and a ring compressed between the drain nipple cap and the drain nipple and close-contacting an outer circumference of the water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: WINIX INC.
    Inventor: Hee-Jong Yoon
  • Publication number: 20110011106
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a refrigerator body including a first cooling chamber and a second cooling chamber, a barrier wall located between the first cooling chamber and the second cooling chamber, an evaporator configured to provide cooling air, a first cooling fan configured to provide cooling air of the evaporator to the first cooling chamber, and a second cooling fan configured to provide cooling air of the evaporator to the second cooling chamber is provided. A method of providing cooling air flow in a refrigerator is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Kwang-Woon AHN, Young-Jin Kim, Yeon-Woo Cho, Gye-Young Song
  • Publication number: 20110005259
    Abstract: A method and system for generating and providing drinking water is provided. The method for providing drinking water includes collecting condensed water from an air conditioner unit, storing in a tank the water that was collected, filtering the water so as to eliminate contaminants and activating an on-demand water pump so as to send the water to a faucet for dispensation. A water generator for providing drinking water is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: James Windham
  • Patent number: 7856840
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehumidifier having high dehumidifying efficiency, low noise and vibration. The dehumidifier includes a case, inlets passed through the case for introduction of air from an outside of the case to an inside of the case, an outlet formed to pass through a top of the case for discharging air dehumidified in the case to the outside of the case, a desiccant assembly for absorbing moisture from air drawn into the case, a blower assembly for drawing air through the inlets and blowing the air to the outlet, a regenerator assembly for blowing hot air to the desiccant assembly for drying the desiccant assembly, a heat exchanger for condensing high temperature, humid air blown by the regenerator assembly through the desiccant assembly, to separate the moisture from the air, and a water collecting assembly for collecting water condensed and separated from the air at the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Youn Yoon, Byung Yong Ahn
  • Patent number: 7857004
    Abstract: Automated condensate drain line cleaning apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a controller, a fluid supply line, and at least one fluid flow regulation device. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may be electrically coupled with the controller to receive at least one control signal from the controller. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may cause a fluid to flow into a condensate drain line through the fluid supply line responsive to the at least one control signal. Other apparatus as well as methods and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Steven L. Pearson
  • Patent number: 7856841
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for an automobile prevents leakage of condensed water by locating two drain parts respectively on an air conditioning case and a protective cover having a drain structure beneath the air conditioning case. A drain hose, connected to and communicating with the drain parts, discharges the condensed water to the outside of the automobile without dispersion of the condensed water by forming a condensed water discharge pipe positioned on the protective cover. The protective cover, mounted on the bottom surface of the air conditioning case, surrounds the inflow and outflow pipes and has an auxiliary drain part formed at a side thereof. The drain hose connects the drain part of the air conditioning case with the auxiliary drain part of the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Young-Cheol Kim, Yong-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 7854238
    Abstract: The present invention provides a conduit trap, which can also operate as condensation recovery device when installed in a refrigeration system drainage line. The conduit trap is generally a hollow body defining a fluid path that includes an upper conduit 20, having a waste outlet 30 and optionally a condensation collection outlet 32. A lower conduit 22 extends downwardly from the upper conduit and has a narrowing that creates an inner sealing region for receiving a sealing means, such as float 50. Condensation can be directed from the refrigeration system through the conduit trap for recovery or for disposal without exposing the refrigeration drainage line and occupied space in which the refrigeration unit is located to sewer gasses even in dry weather when a gravity based, fluid-filled trap would fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Jesus M. Zatarain
  • Publication number: 20100307180
    Abstract: An outer surface of a cold-storage container (or a refrigerant tube) is provided with a plurality of protrusion portions or recess portions. A cooling air passage, in which air flows to cool a space to be cooled in a cold storage time and in a cold release time of the cold storage material, is provided to contact a surface of the refrigerant tube on a side opposite to the cold storage container bonded to the refrigerant tube. The refrigerant tubes and the cold storage container form therebetween a cold-storage side air passage by the protrusion portions or the recess portions, such that air flows in the cold-storage side air passage separated from the cooling air passage. For example, the cold-storage side air passage is provided with a slanting space that causes condensed water or ice generated in the cold storage time to be drained along the cold-storage side air passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamada, Seiji Inoue, Yoshio Miyata, Naoki Yokoyama, Etsuo Hasegawa, Jun Abei, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Aun Ota, Kouta Hagihara
  • Publication number: 20100304654
    Abstract: An HVAC system for a vehicle includes a housing, a front HVAC unit housed in the housing and having a front blower, a first airflow path, and a front air mix door, a rear HVAC unit housed in the housing and having a rear blower, a second airflow path, and a rear air mix door. The HVAC system further includes an evaporator having a first portion disposed in the first airflow path and a second portion disposed in the second airflow path, and a heating core having a first portion disposed in the first airflow path and a second portion disposed in the second airflow path. An airflow directional door is disposed between the first airflow path and the second airflow path to regulate airflow from the rear blower to the first airflow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Kakizaki, Junichi Kanemaru
  • Publication number: 20100281902
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a compressor, a condenser, a first sub-cooler, a metering device, and an evaporator assembly. The evaporator assembly includes an evaporator and a second sub-cooler. The second sub-cooler is arranged below the evaporator such that water condensation from the evaporator drains onto the second sub-cooler to cool the second sub-cooler such that a temperature of the refrigerant exiting the second sub-cooler is less than a temperature of the refrigerant exiting the first sub-cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Kakizaki, Junichi Kanemaru
  • Publication number: 20100269531
    Abstract: Preventing the flow of the ambient air into the cabinet (2) by closing the discharge pipe (4) under normal conditions, balancing the cabinet (2) interior pressure by opening into the cabinet (2) from the side of the ambient air when the cabinet (2) interior pressure drops and discharging the water in the cabinet (2) especially after defrosting, outside of the cabinet (2) is accomplished by utilizing the valve (5) which is the object of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2005
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Alphan Samdan, Gorkem Suner, Ahmet Dincer, Altan Alyanak
  • Patent number: 7793514
    Abstract: Condensate formed on a horizontally oriented multi-poise evaporator coil is caught between a top coil slab and a bottom coil slab using a splitter, and is directed to a condensate pan located under the bottom coil slab, using at least one splash guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Arturo Rios, Floyd J. Frenia, Jason M. Thomas, Michael V. Hubbard, Thomas K. Rembold
  • Publication number: 20100212347
    Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner for a vehicle, which has an improved condensate discharging structure so as to prevent condensate from being leaked through a divided surface of a left and right divided type air conditioning case. To this end, a condensate discharging port is formed at a lower side of an evaporator of the first and second cases, and a partition wall is formed from a lower side of a drain passage to an upper side thereof so that the condensate is flowed through the condensate discharging passage without a leakage of the condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: HALLA CLIMATE CONTROL CORP.
    Inventors: Young Chul Kim, Tae Yong Park
  • Patent number: 7779643
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus that improve the effectiveness of a compression-based refrigeration cycle dehumidifier by allocating thermally distinct sections of the condenser to different air flows are disclosed. A bypass opening and divider plate direct ambient air to the refrigerant inlet section of the condenser. Air that has been cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator is directed to the rest of the condenser, with the air from the refrigerant outlet section of the evaporator being preferentially directed downstream, in the refrigerant flow path sense, from that section of the condenser already allocated to the ambient air coming from the bypass opening. The flows of ambient air and dehumidified air can be adjusted to improve moisture removal rates and avoid blockage of the evaporator by freezing of the condensate onto the evaporator. The system may also be used to remove condensates other than water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Everett Simons
  • Patent number: 7779898
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cooling fluids entering a closed circuit cooling tower. A triple circuit assembly is used to cool the fluid in the closed loop. The triple circuit assembly design allows a heat transfer tube bundle to maintain a relatively low pressure drop, but without simultaneously lowering thermal performance to a significant degree as compared to traditional double serpentine or QUAD serpentine designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank T. Morrison, Thomas P. Carter
  • Publication number: 20100199699
    Abstract: A discharge hose system is provided for a motor vehicle air conditioning unit. The discharge hose system includes, but is not limited to a discharge hose and a vent line. The discharge hose and the vent line are designed as a single piece together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Stefan LUMMITSCH, Norbert RANKER
  • Publication number: 20100175406
    Abstract: A HVAC and battery cooling system, and method of operation, for use in a vehicle that may include a HVAC system, a battery cooling system and a pre-cooling heat exchanger is disclosed. The HVAC system may include an evaporator and a drain configured to receive condensate from the evaporator. The battery cooling system may include a main battery cooling subsystem configured to cool a cooling fluid that flows through a battery pack. The pre-cooling heat exchanger is configured to receive a flow of the cooling fluid therethrough and a flow of the condensate therethrough, whereby the condensate absorbs heat from the cooling fluid as the condensate flows through the pre-cooling heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mukund S. Wankhede, Shailendra Kaushik
  • Publication number: 20100175407
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a heat-exchanger positioned in an outdoor unit and configured to conduct heat-exchange between air provided from outside of the outdoor unit and a refrigerant. The air conditioner also includes a fan configured to generate a flow of the air that is from the heat-exchanger to an outlet of the outdoor unit. The air conditioner further includes a driving unit configured to provide a driving force to the fan. In addition, the air conditioner includes a first member positioned in the flow of the air generated by the fan and a second member configured to guide a flow of the air to reduce collision between the air and the first member when the fan is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seung Yup Kim, Byoung Chan Kim, Hyung Tae Kim, Dong Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7752863
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a front frame, a rear frame, a main drain pan, and a base pan. The front frame provides a front portion, and the rear frame provides a rear portion. The main drain pan divides a space between the rear frame and the front frame, and the base pan provides a bottom portion. The front frame is coupled to the rear frame, the base pan, and the main drain pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: LG ELectronics Inc.
    Inventors: Moon Shin Kim, Jong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: RE42907
    Abstract: Device for conditioning water produced by environmental conditioning or dehumidification apparatuses or plants, comprising a device (2) for measuring the quantity of water produced by a condenser (1) which transforms atmospheric humidity into water, a feeder (4) of a corrective composition of salts and mineral substances, preferably in the form of tablets (P), for dispensing at least one of them in proportion to the quantity of water measured, a mixing vessel (5) receiving the measured water and at least a tablet (P) provided by the feeder (4), a control and command unit (6) that activates the feeder (4) in proportion to the quantity of water measured and received, and a tank (7) for collecting and filtering the water provided with means (70) for filtering micro-organisms and bacteria and a valve (81) for the exit of potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Osman Akkad