Material Cooling Means Including Gas-liquid Contactor Patents (Class 62/304)
  • Patent number: 11959687
    Abstract: An icemaker appliance includes a container defining a liquid reservoir, an ice mold selectively received within a portion of the liquid reservoir, a temperature sensor provided within the liquid reservoir and configured to monitor a temperature of the liquid, a water level sensor provided within the liquid reservoir and configured to determine a level of the liquid within the container, and a controller attached to the container, the controller being operably connected with the temperature sensor and the water level sensor, the controller including a wireless communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Benjamin Miller
  • Patent number: 11937596
    Abstract: An improved ultra-fast cooling system is disclosed for cryopreservation of biomaterials. The ultra-fast cooling system is designed to uniformly vitrify or partially vitrify biomaterials, including but not limited to, human biomaterials, proteins, peptides, cells, stem cells, antibodies, neurons, human tissue, organs, cornea, skin, retina, eggs, sperm, embryos, body fluids, blood, serum, lymph fluid, animal tissue, plant biomaterials, plant tissue, germ plasma, pollen, plant sap, and bioengineered tissue, without cryoprotectants or with a low concentration of cryoprotectants. Cooling rates are sufficient to uniformly cryopreserve biomaterials, and can be used in diagnostic cytology and biological cryofixation applications. Other materials also can be cooled uniformly, such as inorganic materials for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignees: THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, CRYOCRATE LLC
    Inventors: Xu Han, Henry W. White, Peter Koulen
  • Patent number: 11885149
    Abstract: A roof protecting system for protecting the roof of a building from hail damage. The roof protecting system includes a roof covering structure adapted to cover a portion of the roof and capable of holding a non-Newtonian dilatant fluid; a deployment system to dispose the roof covering structure onto the roof; and a delivery system for delivering the non-Newtonian dilatant fluid to the roof covering structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Cynthia Ann Hinojosa, Andrew Jacob Contreras, Lemont Williamson, Igor Alexandre Gregorio, Stephen Anthony Young, Jonathan Edward Seaton, Shirley Elizabeth Bunton, Shayna Dickson, Ric M. Pena
  • Patent number: 11867457
    Abstract: A hybrid shellfish cooling system employs DC and AC cooling units using both solar power and AC electrical supply as energy sources. As temperature control and uniform temperature distribution in the cooling system are critical factors in reducing vibrio growth on raw oysters and reducing energy consumption, the system is equipped with a divider that optimizes airflow through the cooling system interior cabinet to achieve uniform temperature distribution in six individual internal compartments. Tests indicated that an average of 130 min. cooling was required to reach the suggested oyster temperatures of 7.2° C. and meet the cooling time requirement (i.e., 10 h or less). Airflow is further optimized via fan location and airflow direction, whereby configuration of a circulation fan on a lower part of the 12-volt DC section with an air supply from the 12-volt DC section to the 110-volt AC section achieves relatively uniform temperature distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Morgan State University
    Inventors: Seong W. Lee, Xuejun Qian, Yulai Yang
  • Patent number: 11846446
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling module may include a cooling media formed from a vapor permeable membrane in which is formed a plurality of pores at a first side and a second side of the vapor permeable membrane. Individual pores of the plurality of pores may be sized to prevent liquid water from passing there through, and enable water vapor to pass there through. The cooling media may be configured to hold liquid water while an air stream is passed through the cooling media. The evaporative cooling module may also include a module inlet to direct liquid water into the cooling media, a module outlet to direct liquid water out of the cooling media, and a frame configured to support the evaporative cooling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurabh Kumar Shrivastava, Usman Khan, Thomas Yun, Peter Ross
  • Patent number: 11835259
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated system of moisture removal, air purification, and air ventilation of the process air while some of the energy and resources required for operation of the system are self-sustained, or in some aspects the present system is self-regenerated such as heating and cooling of air and water exchanged among various elements/modules/members within the system or between the system and the surroundings, such that it becomes an all-time and all-round air dehumidifier, purifier and ventilator. Related method for removing air moisture from the surroundings using the present system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chi Yan Tso, Hau Him Lee, Siru Chen, Tsz Chung Ho
  • Patent number: 11808491
    Abstract: An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil and at least one mist chamber positioned around the condenser coil such that at least a portion of intake air for the adiabatic cooling system passes through the mist chamber prior to contacting the condenser coil. The at least one mist chamber includes a first cooling pad with a first intake-side face and a first output-side face and a second cooling pad with a first intake-side face and a first output-side face. The second-intake side face of the second cooling pad faces the first output-side face of the first cooling pad and is separated from the first-output side face of the first cooling pad by a gap. At least one nozzle is configured, when the adiabatic system is operating in a wet mode, to provide a mist of water into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC
    Inventors: Karthick Kuppusamy, Sangameshwaran Sadhasivam
  • Patent number: 11662105
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) unit includes a housing having a base wall, a first electrical component coupled to the base wall, a panel movably coupled to the housing and configured to transition between a closed configuration that defines an air gap between the panel and the base wall and that blocks access to the first electrical component and an open configuration that enables access to the first electrical component, and a second electrical component coupled to the panel. The second electrical component is disposed on a side of the panel opposite the air gap in the closed configuration of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Gnanesh Suvvada, Bhushan D. Vichare, Ganesh Ashok Wargantiwar, Pavan Reva Mahajan
  • Patent number: 11624533
    Abstract: An evaporator including a housing with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet; heat transfer tubes contained in the housing, in which chilled water for heat exchange with refrigerant inside of the housing flows; at least one distribution tray placed apart from the heat transfer tubes and having a plurality of holes for distributing refrigerant over the underlying heat transfer tubes; a vapor-liquid separator that is placed above the distribution tray and separates an introduced mixed refrigerant into vapor refrigerant and liquid refrigerant and distributes the liquid refrigerant to the distribution tray; and at least one tube support with a plurality of holes for passing the heat transfer tubes through, that is placed inside of the housing and supports the distribution tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jungho Kang, Jinhee Jeong, Hyunwook Han, Uisik Hwang, Heewoong Lee, Cheolmin Kim
  • Patent number: 11435096
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an evaporative air cooler including a housing, an atomization part, and a cooling part. An accommodating cavity is arranged in the housing; a water storage tank is arranged at a bottom of the housing; the accommodating cavity is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; the accommodating cavity communicating with the water storage tank; the atomization part includes an atomizer, and a water tank fixed to the housing; a first water storage cavity is arranged in the water tank; the atomizer is fixed to the water tank and placed in the accommodating cavity; the cooling part includes a wet curtain filter net and a fan which are fixed to the housing; the fan is arranged between the air inlet and the air outlet; and the wet curtain filter net being accommodated in the accommodating cavity and the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Weiquan Zou
  • Patent number: 11376549
    Abstract: Provided is a humidity conditioning method that enables absorption and desorption of moisture with low power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sho Ochi, Tetsuya Ide, Makoto Yamada, Hiroka Hamada, Jun Sakuma, Tsuyoshi Kamada
  • Patent number: 11029063
    Abstract: A compressor system is disclosed having a refrigerated dryer useful to remove moisture from a wet compressed flow stream produced by a compressor. The refrigerated dryer can include a condenser having a refrigerant fluid conduit and a number of external cooling fins which assist in cooling the refrigerant fluid upon passage of a cooling flow stream past the external cooling fins. The compressor system can include an offtake passage to extract a portion of the wet compressed gas. The extracted portion of compressed gas can be blown in a direction transverse to (e.g. opposite) the direction of cooling air provided by the fan. In one form the fan can be deactivated when the extracted compressed air is flowed past the cooling fins. The compressor system can include a manual operation, operation dictated by a timer, or operations based upon sensed/estimated/etc pressures or temperatures of the compressor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S.. INC.
    Inventor: Mahesh Kumar Keshavan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 10512924
    Abstract: A portable misting system includes a housing, an air pump carried by the housing to provide a flow of air, a water reservoir carried by the housing to hold a supply of water, and a water pump carried by the water reservoir to provide a flow of water droplets. An air/water nozzle assembly is carried by the housing and includes a nozzle body and a misting nozzle coupled to an output of the nozzle body. The nozzle body has an air input coupled to the air pump to receive the flow of air, and a water input coupled to the water pump to receive the flow of water droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventors: William J. Ford, Thomas C. Dula, III
  • Patent number: 9283518
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling and/or separating a component from a fluid are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can include one or more of a separator (e.g., a dehumidifier), a chiller, and/or an expirator, each of which can include a selective transfer membrane. Such systems and methods can be used for a wide variety of applications including, for example, cooling and/or dehumidifying air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Dais Analytic Corporation
    Inventors: Scott G. Ehrenberg, Brian Johnson, Hung Huynh
  • Patent number: 9220306
    Abstract: An apparel liner for cooling is provided. The apparel liner includes a liner for a user's outer garment, formed from three layers. The first panel is in contact with the wearer's outer clothing, the second panel is spacer fabric having thickness and cellular structure. The second spacer panel is disposed over the first panel. The third panel faces the wearer's clothing (e.g. a shirt) under the outer garment. Holes are distributed over the surface of the third panel. All three layers may be sewn or fixed into a single fabric. An air inlet fitting is provided near the waistband for attachment of an air distribution hose. This air distribution hose is then connected to an air movement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony E. Majoros
  • Patent number: 9021826
    Abstract: A water energy conversion system includes a control unit, a first gas-water energy conversion device, a second gas-water energy conversion device, a water supply device, a storage tank and a heat source unit. Water for different purposes is supplied by the water supply device that collects and transmits various kinds of water resources. Operations of the storage tank as well as the first and second gas-water energy conversion devices are based on water as the basis and a carrier of energy conversion to provide effective energy conversion and recycling. By further employing the heat source unit, high-efficiency cooling, heat dissipation or heat absorption can be achieved with minimal power and water consumption. Thus, the water energy conversion system is applicable for energy conversion, energy regulation and supply for air of indoors and outdoors of a building to realize effects of water storage and supply, anti-flooding, and energy saving and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Her Jiu Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Liang Weng, Chien-Lun Weng, Ling-Hua Weng, Ching-Ju Weng
  • Patent number: 9021821
    Abstract: A ventilation device is provided for use in conjunction with systems and methods provided for cooling data centers. A Make-Up Air Dehumidification/Humidification Unit for the introduction of ventilation air and control of humidity within the enclosed space is provided to support other system components. An objective of the systems and methods according to this disclosure is to provide the necessary rejection of heat while providing a capability to limitedly add ventilation air and control of the absolute moisture content of the air within a data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Munters Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan Keith Dunnavant
  • Patent number: 9016201
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a water-based emulsion of silicone fluid to a printed web required to be cooled, such that evaporative cooling of the web is promoted in addition to coating of said web with a silicone material. Water evaporated following the application of the silicone fluid to the web is recovered by condensation on the applicator(s) and reapplied to the web, thus economizing the amount of silicone fluid mixture necessary to provide both cooling and enhanced slip characteristics necessary for further handling and processing of the web. The condensation step is effected by containing the evaporated water from the web within a compact enclosure enveloping both the applicator(s) and the web, and optionally chilling said applicator(s) with a cooling medium, preferably water, by means of said cooling medium flowing through at least one of the applicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: MegTec Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Zagar, Paul Seidl, Mike Rocheleau, Alain Grandjean
  • Publication number: 20150112094
    Abstract: In a method for cooling liquid, when a liquid containing a volatile component and a surfactant is supplied to an atmosphere having a pressure which is lower than or equal to the saturated vapor pressure of the volatile component so that at least a portion of the volatile component is vaporized, whereby the liquid is cooled, a gas other than the volatile component is introduced into the atmosphere having the pressure so that the gas contacts the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toku FUJIOKA, Wataru YAMAUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150096317
    Abstract: A system is provided for rapidly cooling a pot or boiler. The system includes a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical tube operatively connected to the pot or boiler. The tube also includes a means for attaching a water source or hose. Finally, the tube may also include a series of holes or nozzles for directing a stream or spray of water towards the outer surface of the pot or boiler. The system may be built into the pot or boiler or may be a standalone, removable and adjustable system for use on multiple different pots or boilers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 8999190
    Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising R-1234ze (E), R-32 and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E Low
  • Publication number: 20150072424
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for cryogenically cooling a substance. The apparatus of the present invention includes a thin film evaporator comprising a microstructured surface and an applicator for dispensing a working fluid onto the microstructured surface. The apparatus preferably contains a pressure-controlled vessel enclosing the thin film evaporator and at least a portion of the applicator. In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to the method of using a thin film evaporator of the present invention to cryogenically cool a substance by forming a thin film layer of the working fluid on the microstructured surface of the thin film evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: HONGBIN MA, Fengmin Su, Xu Han, Hsiu-Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20150059376
    Abstract: Evaporative cooler apparatus includes two pumps, a primary pump which pumps water to an evaporative medium and a secondary pump for pumping water from the bottom of the cooler to drain the water reservoir of the cooler. The secondary, or drain pump includes a programmable timer that is operable by a user to select a run time duration for the pump motor from a plurality of possible run times. The programmable drain pump also includes a user control for selection of an off-state time from a plurality of available off-state times or intervals between run times of the drain pump motor. The programmable drain pump also includes a constant on control and a test control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: PHOENIX MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Stephen Jouas, John Patrick Koponen
  • Publication number: 20150052929
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an evaporative cooler is described. The evaporative cooler may comprise an assembly of one or more plates. At least one trough proximate the one or more plates. A water delivery system may be proximate the at least one trough. The water delivery system may comprise at least one supply tube and at least one fill tube, wherein the water delivery system is positioned to siphon air from the evaporative cooler when a continuous water supply is suspended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Leland Gillan, David Thompson
  • Publication number: 20150052930
    Abstract: A cooling system for packaged beverages includes a cabinet or housing which may be insulated. The housing has a door and may optionally include shelves. The user places a quantity of packaged beverages into the housing and, via a user interface of the system, identifies the package type and quantity of the packaged beverages in the housing. The system injects a measured amount of liquefied gas (e.g., liquid nitrogen) into the cabinet and prevents the door from opening for a predetermined period of time based on the package type and quantity selected by the user. The door is then unlocked, an optional alert may be sounded, and the user can open the door to remove some or all of the packaged beverages from the cabinet which have been cooled to between about 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Byrne
  • Patent number: 8950205
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to cool compressors, condensing coils, and similar devices. The compressor or condensing coil is cooled by the delivery of water, which may be ambient temperature or chilled. In one embodiment, the water is delivered to a mesh filter or screen via one or more mist spray nozzles. Water conduits may be integrated with the filter frame. The method to control the delivery of the water is designed to conserve water. The control circuit comprises a microcontroller device which contains programming that receives inputs, including but not limited to, outside ambient air temperature, condenser liquid line temperature, relative humidity and electric current, and uses said inputs to provide a stepwise level of control (“solenoid open time”) of water delivery commensurate with outside air temperature and relative humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Evaporcool Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Pat Matracea, Rick Earles, Susan Ann Beinor, Gregory Steven Cook, Arthur Joseph Flagg, Mark Thomas Marini
  • Patent number: 8943851
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler may include an evaporative cooler housing with a duct extending therethrough, a plurality of cooler louvers with respective porous evaporative cooler pads, and a working fluid source conduit. The cooler louvers are arranged within the duct and rotatably connected to the cooler housing along respective louver axes. The source conduit provides an evaporative cooler working fluid to the cooler pads during at least one mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: David W. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 8943844
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a dehumidifier, a regenerator, and a refrigeration system. The dehumidifier removes water from a first airflow using a liquid desiccant. The regenerator transfers water from the dilute desiccant into a second airflow. The refrigeration system can be selectively used to provide heat to the desiccant in the regenerator to more effectively remove the water from the dilute desiccant. An external heat source can also be used to heat the desiccant in the regenerator to more effectively remove the water from the dilute desiccant. The refrigeration system and the external heat source can each be used separately to heat the desiccant, or the desiccant can be heated by both heat sources simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: DuCool Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Forkosh
  • Patent number: 8925347
    Abstract: A misting system utilizing spent ice comprises a portable housing and an inner frame. The inner frame is secured inside the housing and is configured to receive ice and at least one of food and beverage. The inner frame has an outlet for passing the melted ice. A lid is provided for selectively enclosing the inner frame. The system includes a pump. The pump is inside the portable housing, and is in communication with the inner frame outlet and an outlet of the portable housing. The pump is configured to pump melted ice from the inner frame to the outlet of the portable housing for use as mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Sorola, LLC
    Inventors: Benny D. Sorola, Ernest H. Sorola
  • Patent number: 8910493
    Abstract: A falling film plate type heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a pressure vessel surrounding an encapsulated stack of plates. Each plate has a primary fluid side and a secondary fluid side. The primary fluid will be a refrigerant—such as R-134a. The secondary fluid will typically be water. A film of refrigerant is applied to the primary fluid side of each plate, where it evaporates by absorbing heat from the secondary fluid on the other side of the plate. The invention uses embossed patterns on the plates to direct the flow of the primary and secondary fluids in a desired pattern. Further, the primary fluid side of each plate has a roughened surface treatment to increase the effective surface area and thereby increase the heat transfer rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel Alexander Ringwaldt
  • Patent number: 8899495
    Abstract: A mist generating system includes an input pipeline, an iced water tank, a heat exchanger, a nebulizing pump, an output pipeline, a pressure regulating set and a pressure releasing set communicating with each other via a plurality of pipes. The iced water tank is connected between the input pipeline and the nebulizing pump. The iced water tank is connected to the heat exchanger. One end of the output pipeline is connected to the nebulizing pump. Another end of the output pipeline is connected to the pressure regulating set. The pressure regulating set is connected to the iced water tank. One end of the pressure releasing set connected between the nebulizing pump and the output pipeline. Another end of the pressure releasing set connected to the iced water tank. When the mist generating system is turned on, a volume of water is ejected toward the outside in a mist form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Meng-Yao Chuang
  • Patent number: 8893519
    Abstract: A cooling system and method for a machining process. The system includes a coolant supply and a coolant activation assembly, where the coolant supply is configured to provide coolant to the coolant activation assembly. The coolant activation assembly includes a plurality of piezoelectric actuators. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric actuators is configured to emit a coolant stream and to impart an ultrasonic or megasonic vibration component to each coolant stream. The coolant activation assembly is configured to provide cooling to a focal point in a work zone by directing multiple coolant streams emitted by the plurality of piezoelectric actuators to the focal point such that multiple coolant streams converge at the focal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yongsheng Gao, Shengyin Zhou
  • Patent number: 8887523
    Abstract: A heat and mass exchanger for a liquid desiccant air conditioning/dehumidification system. The exchanger comprises an absorber solution section operably connected to the system's absorber/dehumidification section and a desorber solution section operably connected to the system's desorber/regeneration section. A partition separating those sections includes at least two interconnecting ports positioned to facilitate flow of relatively weak solution from the absorber solution section into the desorber solution section; and the flow of relatively strong solution from the desorber solution section into the absorber solution section—as well as allowing heat transfer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Khaled Gommed, Gershon Grossman
  • Publication number: 20140250939
    Abstract: In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a refrigeration system includes an evaporatively cooled condenser configured to transfer heat from the refrigeration system to an atmosphere, an air inlet in fluid communication with the condenser, and an evaporative cooling medium disposed between the atmosphere and the condenser such that at least a portion of an airflow from the atmosphere passes through the evaporative cooling medium to reduce the temperature of the airflow before passing the airflow over the condenser. The evaporative cooling element can improve system cooling efficiency by 20-50% depending on temperature conditions or even greater in dry climates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Parker, John R. Sherwin
  • Patent number: 8820113
    Abstract: To reduce power consumption and more efficiently cool computing devices in a data center, an air supply unit supplies air from outside the data center to an air handling unit, which cools servers within the data center using the supplied air. Using air from outside the data center, rather than recirculating and cooling air from within the data center, reduces the power consumption of the data center. In an embodiment, a chiller and/or an evaporative cooling system are coupled to the air supply unit to allow further cooling of the outside air before it is circulated. Heat generated by the servers within the data center is collected, for example using thermal pathways coupled to server components, and used by the chiller in an absorption or adsorption process to further reduce power consumption of the data center and allow the air handling unit to further cool the outside air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Heydari, Marco Magarelli
  • Patent number: 8813517
    Abstract: An air conditioner including a humidifier and an air conditioning system. The humidifier is modularized within the air conditioner so that the air conditioner performs humidifying together with air conditioning. Further, the humidifier may be linked in operation to the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sunghwa Lee, Younghoon Kim, Bongjo Sung, Jongho Park
  • Patent number: 8818545
    Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication apparatus includes a semiconductor wafer mounting table having a cavity therein; and a nozzle which jets a liquefied temperature adjustment medium having a temperature equal to or less than a targeted temperature to an inner wall of the cavity in order to adjust a temperature of the semiconductor wafer mounting table to the targeted temperature. The semiconductor fabrication apparatus further includes a pressure detecting unit for detecting an internal pressure of the cavity; and a vacuum pump which discharges gas within the cavity such that a pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit becomes equal to or more than a saturated vapor pressure related to the temperature of the temperature adjustment medium jetted from the nozzle and equal to or less than a saturated vapor pressure related to the targeted temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Matsuzaki, Sumie Nagaseki
  • Publication number: 20140202192
    Abstract: A reactor liquid cool down apparatus includes; a compressor comprising an inlet and an outlet, a first conduit connecting a reactor outlet to the compressor inlet, a mixing zone, comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a liquid cryogen inlet, a first control valve, a second conduit connecting the compressor outlet and the first control valve, a third conduit connecting the first control valve to the mixing zone inlet, a temperature control valve, a fourth conduit connecting the temperature control valve with the liquid cryogen inlet, a means for monitoring a mean fluid temperature within the second conduit, a second control valve, wherein the first control valve and the second control valve are configured to isolate the mixing zone, a fifth conduit connecting the second control valve with the mixing zone outlet, a sixth conduit connecting the second control valve to a reactor inlet, a bypass control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: AIR LIQUIDE LARGE INDUSTRIES U.S. LP
    Inventor: Jeff HARRINGTON
  • Publication number: 20140202186
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for combustion gas turbine system has an array of cooling media including first and second cooling media types. The first cooling media type has a first maximum air velocity rating, and the second cooling media type has a second maximum air velocity rating that greater than the first maximum air velocity rating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Braden Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Laquinnia Lawson, Jr., Sanjay Mahapatra
  • Patent number: 8784529
    Abstract: Dehumidifiers having improved heat exchange blocks and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed. A heat exchange system in accordance with a particular embodiment can include a plurality of elements with a plurality of airflow channels. A plurality of peripheral spacers are positioned toward edges of neighboring elements and extend in a first direction. A first airflow path extends in the first direction, and is at least partially defined by the corresponding elements and the peripheral spacers. A second airflow path is defined by the airflow channels and extends in a second direction, and an airflow blocker is positioned at a corner portion of the elements to prevent fluid communication between the first and the second airflow paths at the elements. In certain embodiments, the heat exchange system can further include a dehumidifier having an evaporator positioned between the first and second airflow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dri-Eaz Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Black, Brett Bartholmey, Aaron Matthew Kiesser
  • Patent number: 8783054
    Abstract: A counter flow indirect evaporative heat exchanger (10) having vertically stacked alternate counter flow wet (14) and dry (12) passages where the wet passages are wetted during operation of the heat exchanger by wetting means (50, 52, 53, 54, 70, 72, 74, 76) travelling vertically of the stack. Elongately wetting of a small plurality of the total number of passages (14, 12) of the heat exchanger (10) occurs at a time during vertical travel of the wetting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: F.F. Seeley Nominees Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert William Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20140196487
    Abstract: Cooling system and method suitable for cooling a blast furnace with a cooling fluid during its operation. The cooling system includes a source of a gaseous fluid that feeds the gaseous fluid to multiple flow paths. A liquid is atomized into each of the multiple flow paths, within which the atomized liquid is mixed with the gaseous fluid to form a mist. The system further includes means for selectively closing each of the multiple flow paths while at least one other of the multiple flow paths remains open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: CIM-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy C. Tolkamp, Brian P. Greubel
  • Publication number: 20140165634
    Abstract: A device for the evaporative cooling of a viscous fluid, the device including a vacuum chamber wherein the viscous fluid is cooled. The vacuum chamber includes a lower part wherein the viscous fluid is collected by gravitational force, and an outlet pipe, located at the bottom of a lower part, through which the cooled down fluid is extracted. The device also includes an extraction device that itself includes a primary pump, fed with the cooled fluid from the lower part through the outlet pipe, and a feeding device, located inside the lower part, which pushes the cooled down fluid from the lower part towards the primary pump, through the outlet pipe. Also, an apparatus and method for the sterilization, degassing or water concentration of a viscous fluid including the evaporative cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SPX APV DANMARK A/S
    Inventors: Gil COELHO, Bertrand BRAUD
  • Patent number: 8746245
    Abstract: A gas mask and breathing equipment is provided with a circuit for breathing gas and with a heat exchanger (7) cooled by an evaporating agent. The evaporating agent is introduced from an evaporating agent container (8) into the heat exchanger (7) via at least one group of spraying elements (9) and a gas delivery means (11) allows a gas volume flow to flow through the heat exchanger (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Jochim Koch, Jörg Polzien
  • Publication number: 20140144171
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler, and associated method, that includes an evaporative pad including a liquid coolant-receiving surface at which a liquid coolant distributed to the evaporative pad is received and thereafter passes into the evaporative pad. The evaporative cooler also includes a liquid coolant distribution trough that includes an upper portion configured to hold liquid coolant and a lower portion contiguous with the upper portion. The lower portion includes an opening and a fabric distribution layer in place over the opening through which the liquid coolant held in the upper portion of the liquid coolant distribution trough passes and is distributed to the liquid coolant-receiving surface of the evaporative pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: BHA ALTAIR, LLC
    Inventors: Peter John Duncan Smith, Vishal Bansal
  • Patent number: 8727322
    Abstract: An enclosure defines a confined space configured to store goods that can be advantageously maintained by controlling the water vapor levels to which the goods are exposed. A water vapor conversion element, at which liquid water is converted to water vapor, can be operably associated with the confined space to distribute that water vapor to the confined space. A water delivery unit is operatively associated with the water vapor conversion element and is configured to deliver water in liquid form to the water vapor conversion element. The water delivery unit can comprise a drip chamber configured to deliver the water essentially one drop at a time. The enclosure can comprise a drawer in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator. A sensor configured to determine the water vapor level present in the confined space can be operable to selectively control the distribution of water vapor to the confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Hall
  • Patent number: 8714464
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a bicycle misting system or apparatus. Example embodiments include a manual (e.g., trigger-activated) or automated (e.g., valve-activated) system that is sell-contained, small, and light-weight. Various embodiments improve safety, allow convenient interchangeability of the fluid reservoir, and enable easy installation on a bicycle with or without a mounting system on the bicycle itself. Embodiments also allow the rider to select a variety of spray types, stream, spray, or mist depending on the intended use or amount of fluid desired for each release. The various embodiments provide for an improved cooling fluid delivery system of design simplicity, ease of use, and interchangeability that allows a cyclist an evaporative cooling concept safely, efficiently and conveniently, while riding in conditions of elevated or extreme temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Spruzza LLC
    Inventors: David Carrozza, Cameron Carrozza
  • Publication number: 20140069134
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an inlet duct, supply duct, return duct and exhaust duct: a heat exchanger for providing heat transfer between air from the inlet duct and air from the return duct: a cooling coil position in the supply duct: a pan for collecting condensate from the cooling coil; a pump to pump condensate from the pan: and a sprayer coupled to the pump, the sprayer spraying condensate into an air path to increase efficiency of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Michel Grabon
  • Patent number: 8635878
    Abstract: Chilled water is produced by an evaporative cooling process. The chilled water is then circulated through a liquid-air heat exchanger to produce a primary air supply of cool-dry air wherein no water is introduced into the cool dry air stream. The primary air supply can be used to cool a space, such as an office, where low humidly is desirable. Additionally, the cool, wet air which is a byproduct of the water-cooling phase can be used as a secondary air supply. The secondary air supply can be used to cool a space where higher humidity is tolerated, such as a warehouse, a garage, a barn, etc. The indirect evaporative cooling system can also be used in conjunction with an air conditioning system to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Arthur Samuel Consoli
  • Publication number: 20130306656
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed storage container includes an outer assembly and an evaporative cooling assembly integral to the container. In some embodiments, the outer assembly includes one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially defining at least one thermally-controlled storage region, and a single access conduit to the at least one thermally-controlled storage region. In some embodiments, the evaporative cooling assembly integral to the container includes: an evaporative cooling unit affixed to a surface of the at least one thermally-controlled storage region; a desiccant unit affixed to an external surface of the container; a vapor conduit, the vapor conduit including a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the evaporative cooling unit, the second end attached to the desiccant unit; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Tokitae LLC