Diverse Treating Means Patents (Class 62/311)
  • Patent number: 11447256
    Abstract: A humidifier, preferably for aircrafts, includes a humidifier device, an outlet fan as well as a heat exchanger and a heat exchanger fan. The humidifier device is provided with an intake for a mixture of non-humidified air and recirculated air as well as an outlet for the air mixture. A recirculation fan is placed in a recirculation loop between the outlet and the intake so that a portion of the air mixture should be recirculated back to the humidifier device. An aircraft can be equipped with such a humidifier and a humidifier method used in an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Helin
  • Patent number: 11014018
    Abstract: An apparatus coupled to an air-circulating device for reducing temperature of a surrounding is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tray and upstanding sidewalls coupled to the tray. The upstanding sidewalls are covered with moss or any other suitable absorbent material. The apparatus comprises a pump provided at the bottom of the tray. Further, the apparatus comprises a hose in which one end of the hose is coupled to the pump. The apparatus comprises a canvas or any other suitable flexible material provided on the upstanding sidewalls and a lid provided at the top of the upstanding sidewalls and coupled to the canvas or any other suitable flexible material. The apparatus is placed behind the air-circulating device, wherein water stored in the tray is pumped using the pump through the hose and the water is made to fall onto the upstanding sidewalls. The air-circulating device draws air and moisture/water from the apparatus and directs the air current in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventors: Steven Morales, Bill Nottingham
  • Patent number: 10808949
    Abstract: A humidity management device, a humidity management method, an air-conditioning system, and a method of operating an air-conditioning system are disclosed. The humidity management device includes a chamber having a first end and a second end, an air inlet disposed adjacent the first end, an air outlet disposed adjacent the second end, a rotatable brush disposed between the first and second ends, the brush having a sorbent-carrying surface, and sorbent distribution means configured to distribute a sorbent over the sorbent-carrying surface. The air inlet is configured to receive input air having a first humidity level. The air outlet is configured to draw the input air to contact the sorbent-carrying surface to thereby change a moisture content of the input air such that output air exiting the air outlet has a second humidity level different from the first humidity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Matthias Enzenhofer
  • Patent number: 9555210
    Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Paul John Seakins, Malcolm David Smith, Mohammad Thudor
  • Patent number: 9237681
    Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, relating to an air module and control thereof. An air module can include a controller, an air intake module configured to receive first air from a first air source and to receive second air from a second air source, an evaporative cooling module in fluid communication with the air intake module, and a mechanical cooling module in fluid communication with the evaporative cooling module. The controller can be configured to cause the intake module to mix the first air and the second air to form intake air, and selectively cool the intake air to form supply air by at least one of causing the evaporative cooling module to selectively cool the intake air, and causing the mechanical cooling module to selectively cool the intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: IO Data Centers, LLC
    Inventors: William Slessman, Steve Durand, Rose Gilbert, Andreas Zoll
  • Publication number: 20150033710
    Abstract: For exhaust gas recirculation in internal combustion engines operating, for example, with low sulphur marine diesel oil, an exhaust gas cooler with a cooling unit may be applied that uses a liquid injection system to maintain clean and/or clean a cooling surface of the cooling unit. The liquid injection system may provide liquid into an exhaust gas passage upstream of and or along a condensation starting region the cooling surface, thereby reducing the formation of films and deposits from particulate matter and condensing liquid of an evaporated liquid within the exhaust gas such as sulphuric acid and/or water, as those deposits could otherwise at least partially block the exhaust gas cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Dietmar Krauss, Jan Dreves, Michael Sturm, Carsten Rickert, Udo Schlemmer-Kelling
  • 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: 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: 8584477
    Abstract: A air channeling sub-system may include a mechanical cooling section and a direct evaporative cooling section. The direct evaporative cooling section may be downstream from the mechanical cooling section. Cooling air is channeled through the air channeling sub-system and into the room. If a first set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-systems is operated in an adiabatic mode. The adiabatic mode includes channeling cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air. If a second set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-system is operated in a hybrid mode. The hybrid mode includes channeling cooling air through the mechanical cooling section to remove heat from the cooling air and channeling the cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan David Hay
  • Patent number: 8371169
    Abstract: The system comprising an object to be tested, with the object has a structural resonant frequency. A vibration analyzer sends a signal through the object to a signal receiver. The signal receiver sends the data to a processor and a data storage device. A cooling chamber is used to cool the object to a specified temperature, and then allows the object to return to ambient temperature. A second vibrational test is performed and the data is compared with the first vibrational test to determine the effectiveness of the thermal treatment of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Francis Masyada
  • Publication number: 20120317830
    Abstract: An improved hood assembly for controllably cooling extruded section members of aluminium and other metal materials at an output of an extruding line therefor, characterized in that said hood assembly comprises a plurality of air delivery spouts inclined according to angles varying from 20° to 60° with respect to a sliding longitudinal direction of said section member through said cooling line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: EAGLE TECH S.r.l.
    Inventor: Guido Zambetti
  • Publication number: 20120319309
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Benny D. Sorola, Ernest H. SOROLA
  • Publication number: 20110126564
    Abstract: Systems and methods for Indirect Evaporative Cooling and for Two Stage Evaporative Cooling for conditioning fluids such as air are disclosed. The Indirect Evaporative Cooling Systems comprise scalable indirect evaporative heat exchangers formed with polymer substrates that have been treated to render one surface substantially hydrophilic while the other is substantially hydrophobic, with channels for passage of primary (cooled) an secondary (cooling) air streams between them. The Two Stage Evaporative Cooling System comprise an indirect evaporation component where the fluid is pre-cooled indirectly with the abovementioned scalable heat exchangers, followed by a direct evaporation stage where the pre-cooled fluid is further cooled directly by adiabatic evaporative cooling. The device employing these systems is scalable, energy-efficient, uses aseptic materials, filters/clean incoming fluids (e.g. air), circulates disinfected evaporating liquid (e.g. disinfected water and has enhanced performance efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: HMX SYSTEMS PVT. LTD.
    Inventor: Vaidyanathan Anandhakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20100186438
    Abstract: An evaporative chiller cooling water to below ambient wet bulb temperature. Sub-wet bulb chilling is achieved by pre-cooling incoming air upstream of the saturator. The incoming air is ambient air at ambient air temperature that is cooled using the coolness of the lower temperature outgoing air exiting the saturator. The pre-cooling lowers the temperature of the incoming air and lowers its wet bulb temperature below that of ambient air. The saturator water is chilled to below the ambient wet bulb temperature. The air in the saturator flows across the water as it gravity drips or flows from the top to the bottom of the saturator. The pre-cooled air flows across the saturator with the coolest air directed across the bottom of the saturator where the coldest water is flowing and with the hottest air directed across the top where the hottest water is flowing to provide gradient chilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: NEXAJOULE, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Edward Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20100101249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a washing column (T) for implementing a physical gas washing in which gas (1) is sent from the bottom to the top and washing agent (2) is sent from the top to the bottom through the washing column, whereby at least two washing sections (WS1, WS2) are arranged on top of one another in the washing column (T), the top section (WS2) of which is bounded at the bottom by a riser base (K), from which a portion of the washing agent that is charged in the upper washing section can be introduced as washing agent into the lower washing section (WS1), and another portion can be removed from the washing column (T) via a lateral drain (4). The upper washing section (WS2) is connected to the lower washing section (WS1) by an overflow (U), via which charged washing agent from the riser base (K) of the upper washing section (WS2) can be introduced into the lower washing section (WS1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Andreas Seliger
  • Patent number: 7698906
    Abstract: An evaporative chiller cooling water to below ambient wet bulb temperature. Sub-wet bulb chilling is achieved by pre-cooling incoming air upstream of the saturator. The incoming air is ambient air at ambient air temperature that is cooled using the coolness of the lower temperature outgoing air exiting the saturator. The pre-cooling lowers the temperature of the incoming air and lowers its wet bulb temperature below that of ambient air. The saturator water is chilled to below the ambient wet bulb temperature. The air in the saturator flows across the water as it gravity drips or flows from the top to the bottom of the saturator. The pre-cooled air flows across the saturator with the coolest air directed across the bottom of the saturator where the coldest water is flowing and with the hottest air directed across the top where the hottest water is flowing to provide gradient chilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nexajoule, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Edward Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20090282847
    Abstract: An improved chill water system for use with a hot box is discussed. In processing beef preferably a recirculation loop with a chill water system mixes anti-microbial solution in the chill water tank and adjusts concentration with a controller to add chemical treatment to the tank. Additionally, a supply water line to the chill water tank has a flow sensor linked to a controller which can control addition of treatment agent based on input water from the supply source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Robert C. Bullard, Todd Faulk
  • Patent number: 7464593
    Abstract: A new and improved metallurgic treatment and verification system and method. The system comprising several components in combination. First provided is an object to be tested. The object has a structural resonant frequency. Next provided is a vibration analyzer having a signal sending component and a signal receiver. Lastly provided is a cooling chamber having an enclosed space therein. The method comprises performing a first vibrational test on an object, and then cooling the object. The object is cooled for a specified amount of time and then allowed to return to ambient temperature at a rate determined by the physical characteristics of the object. A second vibrational test is performed and the data is compared with the first vibrational test to determine the effectiveness of the thermal treatment of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Francis Masyada
  • Patent number: 7380406
    Abstract: A refrigerated water pumping system provides high-pressure refrigerated water to misting nozzles situated in a livestock enclosure for housing livestock and adapted for converting the high-pressure refrigerated water into a fine mist or fog of water droplets at a target water temperature for evaporation in the enclosure to provide cooling of the enclosure to a target enclosure temperature. The system comprises a pump and a post-pumping heat exchanger, with the water being pumped by pump into high-pressure water. The high-pressure water is subsequently refrigerated into high-pressure refrigerated water having the target temperature by absorption of a target heat from the water by a refrigerant in the post-pumping heat exchanger, including any heat absorbed by water during pumping in pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Yanick Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20080041086
    Abstract: A hybrid cooler with selectively applied water to one or more heat exchangers has one or more water feed channels above each heat exchanger to which water is to be applied constructed to provide a smooth film of water by a feed channel overflow edge and with means for suppression of waves, if any, in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Jaeggi/Guntner (Schweiz) Ltd.
    Inventor: Hansjorg Brentrop
  • Patent number: 6916445
    Abstract: A system for irradiating mail, comprising a device for conveying mail along a predetermined path and a device for irradiating the mail moving along the path with a beam of electrons. An apparatus for chilling the mail is provided along the path. The apparatus exposes the mail to a low-temperature, gaseous fluid created using a cryogenic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: STERIS Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Mark Kusner
  • Patent number: 6796140
    Abstract: A heat exchanger with improved heat exchange capability mainly includes a primary heat exchanger, a water vaporization device and a secondary heat exchanger. The secondary heat exchanger may be coupled with the water vaporization device to generate liquid and vapor phase transformation to increase heat exchange capability of the heat exchanger and save energy and reduce thermal pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Cohand Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Liang Weng, Ming-Tsun Ke, Jing-Wen Weng
  • Publication number: 20040144119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a curative air-conditioning device with a housing comprising a water reservoir that feeds an installation for concentrating the air with water in order to generate a moist air flow that is transported, in particular with the assistance of a blower, through the housing, and with an ionization apparatus for the release of ions. The device is characterized by the fact that the ionization apparatus is modeled and arranged in such a way that the ions, which are released by the ionization apparatus, enter the air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Annick Reiner, Miriam Girrbach
  • Publication number: 20040074251
    Abstract: An integrated system to filter water and cool air by coupling misting nozzles with compressors and a heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jamshid Jim Shahbaz
  • Patent number: 6609386
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing air borne allergens in evaporative air coolers. In another aspect the invention relates to a method for reducing the cost of operating evaporative air coolers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Hans Karl Schmoldt
  • Patent number: 6345515
    Abstract: A conditioning and filling system includes a first processing section for degassing and dehydrating a working fluid, a second processing section for filtering the working fluid, and a monitoring section for sensing a condition of the working fluid, the monitoring section controlling a flow of the working fluid depending on the condition of the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Pautsch, William J. Matthews, Rich Rineck
  • Patent number: 6324862
    Abstract: This novel device is an enhanced evaporative cooler, which can be transformed into a heater. It is embodied in a single unit with two operational modes. In the A or cooling mode it is comprised of two cooling stages, the first stage consists of an air blower and a plurality of evaporation channels, and a cold water collection tray placed under the said channels, the evaporation channels have nozzles injecting high pressure water, producing a very fine spray, part of the spray evaporates, the rest is cooled and collected in the cool water tray, this cool water is pump circulated through the second stage. The second stage consists of an air to water heat exchanger, an air blower and a warm water collection tray where the output from the heat exchanger is collected, the water in the warm water tray is pumped back to the nozzles starting a new cycle. In the B or heater mode a heater element located in the second stage warm water tray is activated, the so heated water circulates only within the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Julio A. Monjes
  • Patent number: 6178766
    Abstract: An air-conditioner with high-efficiency differential cold-valley pipes, which include J pipes and a low-pressure circulating pump, has a first arc heat-exchanger which is formed by multiple-layer ladder-shaped corrugated plates and multiple-layer arc J pipe stacked alternatively, and a second arc heat-exchanger which is formed by multiple-layer arc J pipe and multiple-layer wave-shaped film-type evaporation face stacked alternatively. A low pressure pump is connected between the first arc heat-exchanger and the second arc heat-exchanger through pipelines. The air-conditioner solves the problems that the conventional air-conditioner consumes high energy, quality of the air in the room is low and the use of CFCs is confined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Xiamin Tong, Amin Ji
  • Patent number: 6141986
    Abstract: A cooler for an air conditioning system or other system having a heated surface to be cooled has an array of nozzles for issuing a fine spray of liquid. A fan of the cooler induces flow of air over a surface to be cooled, the nozzles issuing into the flow of air the fine spray at a distance from the heated surface such that the liquid of the fine spray is fully evaporated prior to contact with the heated surface. Drop sizes of 20 to 30 microns are typical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Edward C. Koplin
  • Patent number: 5758571
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Kateman Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Paul Kateman, Matthew K. Haggerty, Clay A. Burns
  • Patent number: 5555742
    Abstract: An evaporative air conditioning device which in the cooling section subjects the air to be treated to evaporative cooling. Prior to evaporative treatment, the air is subjected to treatment in a scrubber with spray nozzles emitting a mist or spray directed to the incoming air over substantially the entire cross-sectional area of the duct. The spray removes dust, pollutants, particulates and pollen from the air and also serves to wet the surface of the evaporative media. The air entering the scrubber section is enthalpically heated to expand the air utilizing radiant solar energy which lowers the water content per unit of volume and also lowers the wet bulb temperature. In an preferred embodiment, heat absorbent material is placed adjacent the inlet duct to the scrubber. The water which is directed to the evaporative section and also to the spray nozzles and the scrubber section may also be heated by solar heating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Franklyn F. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5497628
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioning process and device, in particular to humidify and/or temper air which is fed in the form of an air stream to a humidification zone, whereby cooled water is sprayed into the airstream as a function of the conditioning parameters to be met. It is provided that to convey the air, the air stream is blown through the humidification zone, tempered water for adiabatic conditioning and cooled water can be sprayed in, and to influence the conditioning parameters, a control and/or regulation of the arrival of tempered and/or cooled water is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: LTG Lufttechnische GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Stueble
  • Patent number: 5460004
    Abstract: A system for cooling and gases in which the process gas is dehumidified in a desiccant module and subsequently treated in a heat exchanger. Additional heat exchanger and gas washers may be included in the system. The system is operable in either an open or closed system to generate either cold gas or cold fluid or both. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger has a dry channel in which both sensible and adiabatic gas cooling occurs and an adjacent counterflow wet channel. The desiccant may be either a liquid or solid and is regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: ARI-TEC Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexandre Tsimerman
  • Patent number: 5433967
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Kateman Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Paul Kateman, Matthew K. Haggerty, Clay A. Burns
  • Patent number: 5337582
    Abstract: A split-type air-conditioning apparatus is disclosed comprising the basic refrigeration component in combination with a chiller system defined by three water chambers, a refrigerant control before bare evaporator coil, a bare evaporator coil confined within said water chambers, a plurality of by-pass cooler tubes connecting two of said three water chambers, a blower means disposed on top of said reservoir, an air duct provided thereat to provide air flow defined by the entrance of air from the by-pass cooler tubes and leading to the blower means, and an endless net mesh disposed between said blower means and air duct directly along said air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Villamor B. Santos
  • Patent number: 5292030
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid to be atomized, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until that fluid is discharged from the passage other end. If the aerated product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Kateman Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Paul Kateman, Matthew K. Haggerty, Clay A. Burns
  • Patent number: 5271243
    Abstract: A device for cooling hot gases deriving from incomplete oxidation in a reactor and loaded with solids. A pressurized vessel (2) accommodates a refrigerator (1) made of cooled pipe-slab walls at the top and a water bath (6) for quench cooling at the bottom. A gas outlet (8) extends out of the refrigerator (1). Another gas outlet (13) extends out of the bath. The outlets can be independently blocked. The vessel also accommodates a gas-collecting section (7) upstream of the first gas outlet (8) and another gas-collecting section (12) upstream of the second gas outlet (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Deutsche Babcock Energie- und Umwelttechnik AG
    Inventor: Werner Jelich
  • Patent number: 5212956
    Abstract: A low energy consumption apparatus and method for treating a gas in which a main gas stream is cooled and heat is transferred by convection to a liquid and to a secondary gas stream across a heat transfer surface. Liquid evaporates into the secondary stream. A total gas stream is subjected to initial sensible cooling along a moisture impervious surface of a heat exchange element. A secondary gas stream is diverted from the total discharge from the initial cooling stage and is directed counterflow to the total stream at the opposite absorbent surface of the heat exchange element to cause heating and humidification of the secondary stream. The remaining cooled stream which is the primary stream is subjected to sorbent treatment in an absorbent media to heat and dehumidify the stream. The primary gas flow is subjected to a final treatment stage similar to the initial heat exchange treatment. Condensate may be removed from the saturated or near-saturated secondary flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Ari-Tec Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexandre Tsimerman
  • Patent number: 5176005
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for conditioning air utilizing a desiccant based air conditioning system requiring substantially less regeneration energy than typical systems. This regeneration energy reduction is accomplished through the use of two separate desiccant devices and an indirect evaporative cooler having both a wet and dry side for air flow-through. The first desiccant device regeneration air is first passed through the wet side of the indirect evaporative cooler wherein it is humidified and heated. This air is then dehumidified by passing through the second desiccant device which operates at a high moisture content. This results in a substantial amount of moisture being absorbed from the first regeneration air stream causing a substantial air temperature increase and thereby, reducing the auxiliary heat required. The second desiccant device may be regenerated with ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company
    Inventor: Vladimir Kaplan
  • Patent number: 5113668
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser and evaporator utilizes an evaporative subcooler downstream of the condenser for subcooling the refrigerant for increased system efficiency. The strategic placement of the subcooler for cooling in the liquid zone allows the operating pressure and temperature of the refrigeration system to be reduced and the refrigerant in the system to provide the greatest cooling effect in the evaporator. As an additional feature, a counterflow heat exchanger is provided in the liquid zone adjacent the subcooler in order to provide additional subcooling and also provide for warming of the cooling water used for evaporative cooling. The subcooler can be readily used as a retrofit in an existing system and is particularly adapted for increasing efficiency in high capacity use situations, such as in the food industry. Preferably, condensate water is used for cooling in the evaporative subcooler, but tap water is used for makeup cooling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Advanced Cooling Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred B. Wachs, III, Roy W. Abbott
  • Patent number: 5031415
    Abstract: A tower, or vertical shaft, equipped with a two stage evaporative cooler near the top. The chimney effect, in reverse, causes the cool air to flow by gravity down the tower. The air can be used for cooling and ventilating structures. In one embodiment of the invention, the ambient air flow is all that is required for the embodiment to operate and all reliance upon electrical energy is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Planetary Design Corporation
    Inventor: Tommy L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5022241
    Abstract: A residential-type hybrid air conditioning system having a conventional refrigeration subsystem which handles system sensible heat loads and a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem which handles system latent heat loads additionally incorporates an evaporative cooler which cooperates with and receives heat from the dehumidification subsystem to increase the performance efficiency of the total system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: William H. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5003789
    Abstract: A precooler for enhancing the cooling effectiveness and efficiency of an existing evaporative cooling system employing a misting system for precooling the ambient air before entering the air flow inlet to the evaporative cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventors: Manuel Gaona, Stephen M. Gaona
  • Patent number: 4974422
    Abstract: An evaporative condenser cools and condenses fluid, such as refrigerants in a refrigeration system, by circulating the fluid through a condensing coil, continuously and completely spraying the condensing coil from above with cooling water, and simultaneously blowing air from below the condensing coil upwardly and counter to the cooling water. Heat is transferred from the fluid to the cooling water, and heat is transferred by evaporation from the cooling water to the air and is discharged to the atmosphere. A fogging nozzle sprays a fine water mist into the air blowing into and through the condenser, which will increase the rate of evaporation and therefore increase the rate of heat transfer, thus increasing the cooling efficiency of the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Vilter Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Erich J. Kocher
  • Patent number: 4926657
    Abstract: A cooler which uses evaporative cooling pads and heat pipes in complementary arrangement. The combined operation of these two elements permits the cooler to operate efficiently under temperature and humidity conditions at which conventional evaporative coolers prove impractical to use. The heat pipes serve the purpose normally fulfilled by evaporators and compressors in a refrigeration system. However, since there is no need for a compressor in the invention, the costs of purchasing and operating and maintaining a compressor operated refrigeration system are obviated. The invention provides the user with the performance of a refrigerant coolant system at the operating costs of an evaporative cooler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: Elmer B. Bomar
  • Patent number: 4901919
    Abstract: A water evaporating air conditioning, indirect heating and recuperative ventilation system comprising an air to air counter-flow heat exchanger having separate supply and return heat exchange chambers that are separated by a heat exchange membrane, water in air saturation elements and air movement means is provided. Air from the external environment is supplied through supply heat exchange chamber to enclosed space and air from enclosed space is moved through return heat exchange chamber and then expelled to the external environment. In air conditioning, water is evaporated inside the return heat exchange chamber and heat is conducted across heat exchange membrane from the air in supply heat exchange chamber to cool air supplied to enclosed space. In heating, heat is provided to air from enclosed space before that air enters return heat exchange chamber and air supplied to enclosed space is heated by heat conduction across heat exchange membrane and heating of the air in supply heat exchange chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: Christopher E. Wainwright
  • Patent number: 4829781
    Abstract: An appliance for purifying, humidifying or dehumidifying, cooling or heating gases, especially room air, and in it purification is carried out by means of a plate stack rotating in a liquid. To regulate or vary the air humidity, the incoming air is conveyed through an evaporator and the purified outgoing air is conveyed through a condenser of a refrigerant circuit. The effectiveness of the condenser is influenced by an additional condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Venta Industrieanlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Hitzler
  • Patent number: 4815297
    Abstract: An improved evaporative air conditioning device which in the cooling phase subjects the air to be treated to evaporative treatment. Prior to evaporative treatment the air to be treated is enthalpically heated utilizing radiant solar energy or other artificial heating to lower the water content per unit of volume and also lower the wet bulb temperature. In the preferred embodiment, a heat absorbent material is placed adjacent the inlet ducts to the unit. In the heating phase, the device is automatically controlled to provide solar induced heating during periods when sufficient solar energy induced heat is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Franklyn F. Kelley
  • Patent number: 4813240
    Abstract: A conventional evaporator of a cooling tower system is modified so that anti-corrosion additives are introduced into the cooling tower system in response to the flow of make-up water into the cooling tower to replenish the supply of recirculating water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Clarence C. Hon
  • Patent number: 4803849
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler unit is disclosed for installation as an "add-on" unit to a pre-existing roof-mounted refrigeration air-conditioning unit. The conventional air supply and return ducts from and to the air-conditioning unit are removed and are interconnected with ducts in the evaporative cooler conversion unit. Pressure actuated dampers are provided which automatically cause air to be supplied through the supply duct into the building from whichever one of the units, the refrigeration unit or the evaporative cooler unit, is operated. Similarly, return air always flows from the building into the return duct. When the refrigeration unit is operating, the return air recirculates in the normal manner. When the evaporative cooler unit is operating, the return air is vented outside into the area surrounding the cooler housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Henry E. Diaz