With Refrigerant Collection And Intermittent Discharge Patents (Class 62/324.4)
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Patent number: 12173929Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an on-demand water heater which uses a heat pump to heat the fluid. The on-demand heat pump water heater can have a low fluid capacity heating chamber which has an inlet and an outlet, a heat pump for heating the fluid, and a controller to control the heat pump and maintain the temperature of the fluid at a predetermined temperature. The on-demand heat pump water heater can include one or more temperature sensors, flow sensors, fluid mixing valves, or supplemental heat sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jozef Boros, Christopher M. Hayden
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Patent number: 11828528Abstract: A water dispenser for a refrigerator including a water discharge nozzle fluidly connected to a water source, a valve configured to selectively block the fluid connection, and an actuator operated to allow water to be dispensed. The water discharge nozzle is pivotally mounted to a surface of the refrigerator to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the water discharge nozzle is extended outwards beyond the surface of the refrigerator. The water discharge nozzle is biased towards one of the extended and retracted positions. The valve is configured to block the fluid connection between the water discharge nozzle and the water source when the water discharge nozzle is in the retracted position. When the water discharge nozzle pivots to the extended position, the valve is operated to enable fluid connection between the water discharge nozzle and the water source.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Zhuochen Shi, Josh Hanson
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Patent number: 11788769Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an on-demand water heater which uses a heat pump to heat the fluid. The on-demand heat pump water heater can have a low fluid capacity heating chamber which has an inlet and an outlet, a heat pump for heating the fluid, and a controller to control the heat pump and maintain the temperature of the fluid at a predetermined temperature. The on-demand heat pump water heater can include one or more temperature sensors, flow sensors, fluid mixing valves, or supplemental heat sources.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jozef Boros, Christopher M. Hayden
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Patent number: 11156393Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes heat-source-side units each including a compressor and a heat-source-side heat exchanger, a load-side heat exchanger and a load-side expansion device, a first header, a second header, bypass expansion devices, circuit switching units, discharge pressure sensors, bypass pressure sensors, and a controller configured to control, in a heat-source-side unit in defrosting mode, the circuit switching unit in such a manner that a portion of refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the heat-source-side heat exchanger and configured to control, in the heat-source-side unit in defrosting mode, an opening degree of the bypass expansion device in the heat-source-side unit in such a manner that a value representing a difference between a value obtained by the discharge pressure sensor and a value obtained by the bypass pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Tadashi Ariyama
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Patent number: 10598423Abstract: A refrigerator contains a dispenser for ice and/or liquid. A dispenser housing covers an opening in an outer shell of the refrigerator. The dispenser housing delimits a dispenser recess that extends outward and upward over an upper edge of the opening and is assembled from at least one main part, which extends from a lower edge of the opening over a rear wall to a front edge of a ceiling of the dispenser housing, and a filling part, which extends from the front edge to an upper edge of the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Hans Gerd Keller, Karl-Friedrich Laible, Florian Moertl, Senol Temizkan
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Patent number: 10578344Abstract: A heat pump system includes a compressor, indoor heat exchanger, outdoor heat exchanger, and expansion valve. A main flow control device fluidly couples a discharge line to the outdoor heat exchanger when the heat pump system is in a cooling mode, and fluidly couples the discharge line to the indoor heat exchanger when the heat pump system is in a heating mode. An intermediate heat exchanger is configured to receive working fluid from the outdoor heat exchanger in a cooling mode and from the indoor heat exchanger in a heating mode. The intermediate heat exchanger is configured to superheat or sub-cool a working fluid therein. A secondary flow control device is configured to control a directional flow of working fluid between the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger and the intermediate heat exchanger. A controller is operably coupled to the main and secondary flow control devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventor: Jeremy Wallet-Laily
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Patent number: 10345021Abstract: A variable refrigerant charge refrigeration/air conditioner system is described that allows the refrigerant charge for the system to be altered based on operating or environmental factors. The system includes a main refrigerant loop holding a volume of refrigerant corresponding to a first level of refrigerant charge, a compressor in the main refrigerant loop, a condenser in the main refrigerant loop, and an evaporator in the main refrigerant loop. A branch refrigerant loop allows the alteration of the refrigerant charge using a control valve in the branch refrigerant loop and a receiver in the branch refrigerant loop. The receiver acts to hold a volume of refrigerant when the control valve is open, thereby removing the volume of refrigerant from the main refrigerant loop. A return path from the receiver to the main refrigerant loop allows refrigerant to flow back into the main loop from the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventor: Robert B. Uselton
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Patent number: 10197331Abstract: To provide a solid-liquid separation system in which a stable operation can be continuously conducted and the introduction cost and the running cost can be suppressed, in cases where moisture or oil are separated from a substance containing moisture or oil by using changes in phase of a working fluid having a nature of dissolving moisture or oil in a liquid phase.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoko Kokugan, Hiroshi Kusumoto, Tadashi Sano, Michiharu Watanabe, Mitsuhiro Matsuzawa
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Patent number: 10168081Abstract: An adsorption heat pump system comprises an evaporator that evaporates an adsorbate; a first adsorption device that adsorbs the adsorbate of the evaporator and generates cooling in the evaporator; and a second adsorption device that adsorbs the adsorbate that was adsorbed by the first adsorption device and generates cooling in the first adsorption device.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHOInventors: Yasuki Hirota, Takafumi Yamauchi, Ryuichi Iwata, Takashi Shimazu
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Patent number: 9464830Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor unit, an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger, and a controller for executing a pump down operation. The outdoor unit has an accumulator of a capacity (Va), a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a large-diameter tube, which are joined by refrigerant pipes. The capacity (Vhi) of the indoor heat exchanger is greater than the capacity (Vho) of the outdoor heat exchanger. The large-diameter tube, which is larger in diameter than the refrigerant pipes, is provided so that the capacity (Vt) of the large-diameter tube satisfies the formula: capacity (Vt)>capacity (Vhi)?capacity (Vho)?capacity (Va).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yukako Kanazawa, Junichi Shimoda, Tatsuya Makino, Shouhei Miyatani, Toshihiko Takayama
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Patent number: 9175883Abstract: A HVAC system including a multi-function unit for conditioning and controlling the flow of refrigerant. The multi-function unit may be contained within a housing that houses a receiver/dryer, integral heat exchanger and thermal expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Manfred Koberstein, Mitali Chakrabarti, Steven L. Lambert, Stephen Patrick Lepper, Angelo Patti
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Patent number: 9134057Abstract: A refrigeration cycle 1 is constituted by joining at least a compressor 2, a condenser 3, a decompression and expansion device 4, and an evaporator 5 to each other by a pipe 6. The condenser 3 is formed of a condenser with a supercooling part including a condensing part 7 and a supercooling part 8. The refrigeration cycle 1 further includes an internal heat exchanger 25. A rate at which the supercooling part 8 occupies with respect to the whole condenser 3 is set to a value which falls within a range of 3% to 9% when the heat exchange efficiency of the internal heat exchanger 25 falls within a range of 25% to 75%.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: VALEO JAPAN CO. LTD.Inventor: Kenji Iijima
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Patent number: 9027358Abstract: A vehicle heat pump system includes a compressor, a first valve coupled to an outlet of the compressor, a cooling circuit between the first valve and the inlet of the compressor, a heating circuit between the first valve and the inlet of the compressor and a controller. The heating circuit includes a heating circuit evaporator and a second valve between the heating circuit evaporator and the inlet of the compressor. The controller is configured to operate the first valve to switch between a cooling mode and a heating mode, cycle the second valve opened and closed in the heating mode, such that when closed, the compressor draws refrigerant out of the cooling circuit and refrigerant pressure builds up within the heating circuit, and maintain the second valve open upon the controller determining that sufficient refrigerant has been drawn out of the cooling circuit during the cycling of the second valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Ronald Eisenhour
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Publication number: 20150075202Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, an indoor heat exchanger, and a storage tank. The compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion mechanism and the indoor heat exchanger are connected to each other. During a cooling operation, a refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion mechanism, and the indoor heat exchanger. During a heating operation, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion mechanism, and the outdoor heat. The storage tank is configured to store the refrigerant and is provided between the outdoor heat exchanger and the expansion mechanism. The refrigeration device uses R32 as the refrigerant. A capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger is less than or equal to a capacity of the indoor heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Noriyuki Okuda, Takayuki Setoguchi, Keisuke Tanimoto
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Publication number: 20150020536Abstract: A heat pump system includes a liquid receiver valve that adjusts the amount of a refrigerant stored in a liquid receiver so that a circulation amount of the refrigerant that circulates the heat pump system can be adjusted according to a driving speed of a compressor and performance of the compressor and the heat pump system can be further improved. Also, since a plurality of liquid receiver refrigerant outlets can be selectively opened using a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet of the compressor, active control can be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Gil Bong LEE, Young Soo LEE, Min Sung KIM, Ki Chang CHANG, Jun Hyun CHO, Ho Sang RA
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Patent number: 8756943Abstract: Heat pumps that heat or cool a space and that also heat water, refrigerant management systems for such heat pumps, methods of managing refrigerant charge, and methods for heating and cooling a space and heating water. Various embodiments deliver refrigerant gas to a heat exchanger that is not needed for transferring heat, drive liquid refrigerant out of that heat exchanger, isolate that heat exchanger against additional refrigerant flowing into it, and operate the heat pump while the heat exchanger is isolated. The heat exchanger can be isolated by closing an electronic expansion valve, actuating a refrigerant management valve, or both. Refrigerant charge can be controlled or adjusted by controlling how much liquid refrigerant is driven from the heat exchanger, by letting refrigerant back into the heat exchanger, or both. Heat pumps can be operated in different modes of operation, and segments of refrigerant conduit can be interconnected with various components.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Nordyne LLCInventors: Jie Chen, Justin W. Hampton
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Patent number: 8695369Abstract: A heat pump system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and the compressor, and a flash tank fluidly coupled to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A first conduit may extend between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A valve associated with the first conduit may operate in an open state to permit flow along the first conduit between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to at least partially bypass the flash tank and may operate in a closed state to prevent flow along the first conduit between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to direct flow into the flash tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Man Wai Wu, Li Yi Zhang
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Patent number: 8578731Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides a refrigerant charge compensator having an increased heat transfer surface. The housing has an internal volume and first and second ports for allowing a passage of refrigerant therethrough. The internal volume is partitioned into an indirect refrigerant passageway that extends through the housing and a refrigerant storage area. The refrigerant storage area has a storage access port and is in contact with the indirect refrigerant passageway. Also a heat pump system implementing the compensator is provided and a method of manufacturing the compensator is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Advanced Distributor Products LLCInventor: Dae-Hyun Jin
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Publication number: 20120247142Abstract: In a heat pump pool heater, undesirable compressor-created pressure spikes resulting from start-up of the heater after extended idle periods thereof are substantially eliminated by the incorporation in the heat pump refrigerant circuit of a specially designed pressure spike eliminator structure. The spike eliminator structure includes an enclosed hollow wall structure extending around a first refrigerant tubing portion disposed between the heat pump circuit compressor and condenser and forming a cavity around the first refrigerant tubing portion, and a transfer tube directly connected to a second refrigerant tubing portion disposed between the condenser and expansion valve and intercommunicating the interiors of the cavity and the second refrigerant tubing portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Timothy B. Hawkins, Paul D. McKim
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Patent number: 8261564Abstract: A recovery apparatus, system and method, including a compressor to evacuate a gas or liquid from a system during a first phase and a second phase of a recovery process, and a vacuum pump to evacuate the gas or liquid during the second phase. A memory stores one or more correlation relations to determine a predetermined second variable recovery time for the second phase to evacuate the system to a second predetermined level related to a first recovery time to evacuate the vessel or system to a first predetermined level during the first phase, and a processor to determine the second variable recovery time, based on the one or more correlation relations and the first recovery time, and selectively control the compressor and the vacuum pump to evacuate the gas or liquid from the vessel or system to the first and second predetermined levels.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: William Brown, Gary Murray
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Patent number: 8220284Abstract: A heat storage device that includes a first heat storage material and a second heat storage material, both of which accumulate heat by heat exchange with a heat afferent medium, and a changeover device that selectively either performs or intercepts heat storage by the second heat storage material. Accordingly, if the absorption of heat by the first heat storage material has decreased, the changeover device changes flow of the second heat storage material so that heat may be extracted from the heat afferent medium by the second heat storage medium. Thus, when the heat afferent medium is a refrigerant, it is possible to supercool the refrigerant thereof. Furthermore, since heat is extracted from the heat afferent medium and is accumulated, accordingly it is possible to anticipate effective utilization thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenji Tsubone
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Patent number: 8191376Abstract: A reversible HVAC heating/cooling refrigerant system includes a novel valve system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to function as a subcooler during a cooling or defrost mode and function as a receiver tank for storing excess liquid refrigerant during a heating mode. In the heating mode, a cooling expansion valve is kept slightly open to flood the subcooler with liquid refrigerant while a heating expansion valve is regulated to maintain a desired level of superheat at the suction side of the refrigerant system's compressor. The novel valve system also serves as a pressure relief valve to protect the subcooler from excess pressure caused by thermal expansion of liquid refrigerant trapped within the subcooler.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: William B. Fox, George M. Singh, Scott A. Munns
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Patent number: 8091377Abstract: A heat pump capable of performing heating and cooling simultaneously is provided. The heat pump includes a compressor, indoor devices that heat or cool an indoor space, outdoor heat exchangers, and switching devices. The outdoor heat exchangers are configured to individually operate as a condenser or an evaporator depending on a ratio of heating to cooling of the indoor devices. When an operation mode is changed, continuous heating and cooling is performed without stopping the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ho Jong Jeong, Il Nahm Hwang, Baik Young Chung
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Patent number: 8056348Abstract: A heat pump system includes a compressor, a reversing valve, an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger in a circuit, and a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. In the air cooling with water heating mode, the air heating with water heating mode and the water heating only mode, water from a water reservoir is passed through refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. A refrigerant reservoir may be provided for use in refrigerant charge control. A refrigerant line (71) couples reservoir to the refrigerant circuit intermediate the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers for directing liquid refrigerant into the reservoir and a refrigerant line (73) couples the refrigerant circuit upstream of the suction inlet to the compressor for returning refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit. A controller controls flow into and from the refrigerant reservoir through selective opening and closing of control valve (72) in line (71) and control valve (74) in line (73).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Toshio Murakami, Carlos A. Tesche, Roberto G. Fernandez
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Patent number: 8037710Abstract: A heat pump system includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger, a scroll compressor in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers, and a flash tank in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers and the scroll compressor. A first capillary tube is disposed between the first heat exchanger and an inlet of the flash tank and a first valve is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the first capillary tube to control refrigerant to the first capillary tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Man Wai Wu, Li Yi Zhang
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Publication number: 20110146317Abstract: A multi-mode, bi-directional cascade heat pump system, according to some examples, includes at least two chillers each being part of a unidirectional refrigerant circuit. The system includes heat exchangers each of which are dedicated to operate as just a condenser or as just an evaporator, regardless of the system's operating mode. In some modes, a secondary fluid transfers heat between the condenser of one chiller and the evaporator of another chiller before the fluid returns to a secondary fluid source such as, for example, a geothermal borefield or a conventional water source. In some embodiments, fluid is withdrawn from a borefield by way of a pump having a speed that varies to maintain a desired fluid temperature and/or a desired heat transfer rate at the borefield. The heat pump system includes means for minimizing flow through the borefield and for minimizing unnecessary mixing of relatively high and low temperature fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Lee R. Cline, Michael C. A. Schwedler, Susanna S. Hanson, Brian J. Fiegen
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Publication number: 20110120167Abstract: A room air conditioner and/or heat pump is shown with a main control and a user interface. The user interface is mounted on a user interface mount attached to the front of a main unit, but behind the bezel. The user interface mount is used to (a) insert or remove the main unit, (b) secure and protect wiring cables, (c) mount the user interface thereon, (d) direct a filter into position, (e) provide a slot for a fresh air slide, and (f) direct a bezel into position. A main control housing allows access there through to a main control circuit board, but prevents moisture from dripping on the main control circuit board. A dual filter element is located behind a double hinged door. Channels and flanges direct and secure the bezel into position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: David J. Lingrey, Kevin L. Eicher, Geethakrishnan Vasudevan, David John Sayler, Charles A. Wheeler, JR., Patrick J. Bush, Eduardo J. Guerrero
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Publication number: 20100319369Abstract: A reversible HVAC heating/cooling refrigerant system includes a novel valve system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to function as a subcooler during a cooling or defrost mode and function as a receiver tank for storing excess liquid refrigerant during a heating mode. In the heating mode, a cooling expansion valve is kept slightly open to flood the subcooler with liquid refrigerant while a heating expansion valve is regulated to maintain a desired level of superheat at the suction side of the refrigerant system's compressor. The novel valve system also serves as a pressure relief valve to protect the subcooler from excess pressure caused by thermal expansion of liquid refrigerant trapped within the subcooler.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Willaim B. Fox, George M. Singh, Scott A. Munns
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Patent number: 7832466Abstract: A water supply system includes a main water tank and a sub-tank of smaller dimensions than the main tank for supplying hot and cold water for household use. The sub-tank is surrounded by a tubular coil of refrigerant in contact with the sub-tank, a layer of insulation and an outer wall for maintaining the insulation in place and protecting the tubular coil and sub-tank from being damaged. A water heater is disposed in or below a lower part of the tank and a three-way switch is provided for selecting heating or refrigeration during different seasons of the year.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: Abdullah Ahmad Al-Hashash
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Patent number: 7814761Abstract: An air conditioner according to the present invention prevents freezing of an outdoor heat exchanger in heating operation. A refrigeration cycle is formed by sequentially connecting a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, an indoor heat exchanger 3, a pressure reducing device 4, and an outdoor heat exchanger 5. In the refrigeration cycle, a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1 flows through a receiver tank 6 before supplied for indoor heating. The receiver tank 6 is placed in the outdoor heat exchanger 5, and thus heat from the receiver tank 6 through which the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows can be used to prevent freezing of a fin or a tube 10 in the outdoor heat exchanger 5, thereby ensuring heating performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keisuke Uchida
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Publication number: 20100229585Abstract: A modular air conditioner is provided that operates on the basic principal of a split system yet allows user serviceability and modular components such that the system is flexible. The system generally includes an outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit and a user serviceable hose that extends between the outdoor and indoor units. The outdoor unit contains a compressor, an air-cooled condenser, a coolant to fluid heat exchanger, a fan and various other components such as controls. While the indoor unit contains a fan, a fluid pump, a cold fluid storage tank and a fluid to air heat exchanger. Finally, the hose is a detachable hose that includes three lumens therein that act as a cold fluid supply, a fluid return and wiring for power and control signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: KIPPWORKSInventors: Kipp Bradford, Kas DeCarvalho, Thomas Brendler
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Publication number: 20100175413Abstract: A heat storage device that includes a first heat storage material and a second heat storage material, both of which accumulate heat by heat exchange with a heat afferent medium, and a changeover device that selectively either performs or intercepts heat storage by the second heat storage material. Accordingly, if the absorption of heat by the first heat storage material has decreased, the changeover device changes flow of the second heat storage material so that heat may be extracted from the heat afferent medium by the second heat storage medium. Thus, when the heat afferent medium is a refrigerant, it is possible to supercool the refrigerant thereof. Furthermore, since heat is extracted from the heat afferent medium and is accumulated, accordingly it is possible to anticipate effective utilization thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2007Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Kenji Tsubone
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Patent number: 7591145Abstract: A heat pump heat pump system, operating with an R-410A refrigerant, comprised of at least one of an air source heat pump system, a water source heat pump system, and a direct expansion heat pump system, preferably for use in a Deep Well Direct Expansion heat pump system, which incorporates a three-mode receiver and an interior air handler, with at least one fan, with such air handler comprised of a combination of two sets of refrigerant to air heat exchange tubing/interior air heat exchange means, with by-pass lines and solenoid valves to facilitate system operation in the desired operational mode, all enabling optimum system performance in one of the desired heating mode, cooling mode, and dehumidification mode of system operation, as controlled by at least one of a thermostat/humidistat.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Publication number: 20090139255Abstract: A device for controlling the heat output of a heat pump, with a storage circuit, wherein heat energy can be stored in a storage container, comprises means for receiving a volume flow of a heat carrier medium from a condenser of the heat pump and means in the circuit of the heat carrier medium for controllably feeding a volume flow of the heat carrier medium from a condenser of the heat pump to a desuperheater. In an embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises means in the refrigeration circuit of the heat pump for feeding the heat carrier medium from the desuperheater to the condenser of the heat pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2006Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Heinz-Dieter Hombucher
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Patent number: 7530390Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioner for a motor vehicle, comprising a coolant circuit (1) that is provided with several heat-transferring devices through which a coolant can be directed, a heat-transferring device (12) also being part of a coolant circuit. Coolant is redirected from portions of the coolant circuit (1), which are shut down during heating, into a portion of the coolant circuit (1), which is active during heating, as required. Also disclosed is a method for operating such an air conditioner.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Günther Feuerecker, Andreas Kemle
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Patent number: 7500368Abstract: An apparatus for the diagnosis of a cooling system which receives inputs in the form of data about a cooling system, and measurements made from the cooling system, and which then calculates the amount of refrigerant to be removed or added to the cooling system for optimal performance. In addition, methods for ensuring correct setup of a cooling system are disclosed. The methods may apply to FXV (fixed expansion valve) systems and may include making and displaying a prediction of a refrigerant adjustment based upon measurements such as return air wetbulb temperature, condenser air entering temperature, refrigerant superheat vapor line temperature, and refrigerant superheat vapor line pressure. A method for ensuring correct setup of a cooling system is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Inventor: Robert James Mowris
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Publication number: 20080184727Abstract: A refrigerant reverse cycle balancing receiver includes an outer housing with a volume formed therein. A refrigerant pipeline extends through the volume for connection with a refrigerant line of a refrigeration system. The refrigerant pipeline is provided with a refrigerant relief port within the outer housing for allowing excess refrigerant to back up and fill the volume of the receiver when required in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Rodney Mitchell Innes
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Publication number: 20080127667Abstract: A system pressure actuated charge compensator for use with a heat pump having a liquid service valve and a vapor service valve. The charge compensator comprises a holding tank having first and second ports, a first pressure tap coupled to the first port and removeably coupleable to the vapor service valve, and a second pressure tap coupled to the second port and removeably coupleable to the liquid service valve. A heat pump system and a method of manufacturing a charge compensator are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: Paul K. Buckley, Pete J. Den Boer, Robert B. Noll
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Publication number: 20080127666Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle and method of operating it is disclosed. The cooling system may include a refrigerant to liquid heat exchanger, which may be located outside of a passenger cabin, and a chiller, which may be located inside the passenger cabin. A refrigerant circuit and a water circuit may both engage the refrigerant to liquid heat exchanger. The refrigerant to liquid heat exchanger may be an integrated heat exchanger and expansion device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Major, William R. Hill
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Patent number: 7370483Abstract: A refrigerant cycle is provided with a single three-way service valve that is utilized for draining and adding refrigerant. In the prior art, a second two-way valve was used in combination with the three-way valve. The present invention simply drains the refrigerant, and does not need to return the refrigerant. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with an environmentally benign refrigerant such as CO2.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Tobias H. Sienel, Yu Chen
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Patent number: 7347062Abstract: An ejector cycle with an ejector includes a nozzle for decompressing refrigerant. A receiver for storing refrigerant is disposed at a refrigerant outlet side of a condenser. A bypass passage and a switching valve for opening and closing the bypass passage are provided so that high-temperature refrigerant discharged from a compressor is introduced into an evaporator while bypassing the condenser in a defrosting operation. When the defrosting operation is set, the switching valve is opened while a fan for blowing cool air to the condenser is operated. A part of refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the evaporator to remove frost on a surface of the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Haruyuki Nishijima, Hirotsugu Takeuchi, Toru Ikemoto, Hisatsugu Matsunaga, Takeharu Asaoka
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Patent number: 7340915Abstract: A refrigerator door having a dispenser is disclosed. The refrigerator door includes an outer case forming a front appearance of the refrigerator door, an inner case forming a rear appearance of the refrigerator door, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer case and the inner case. First and second mounting frames are installed at both side ends of the refrigerator door and have first and second mounting slots longitudinally formed in the first and second mounting frames in opposition to each other. The dispenser is detachably coupled to a front surface of the outer case and includes a housing, which forms an external appearance of the dispenser and is formed with a recess section. An external plate section is coupled to the front surface of the outer case except for an area in which the dispenser is installed, forming an external appearance of the refrigerator door.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Yong-Chol Kwon
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Patent number: 7316120Abstract: Refrigeration/air conditioning equipment includes a first internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a refrigerant to be sucked in a compressor and a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, an injection circuit for evaporating a bypassed high-pressure liquid at intermediate pressure and injecting the vaporized refrigerant into the compressor, a second internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the high-pressure liquid refrigerant and the refrigerant to be injected, and a heat source for heating the refrigerant to be injected.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masanori Aoki, Masato Yosomiya, Fumitake Unezaki, Makoto Saitou, Tetsuji Saikusa
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Patent number: 7299649Abstract: A heat pump includes a first and second heat exchanger, a scroll compressor and a flash tank in fluid communication. The flash tank includes an inlet fluidly coupled to the heat exchangers to receive liquid refrigerant. Furthermore, the flash tank includes a first outlet fluidly coupled to the first and second heat exchangers and a second outlet fluidly coupled to the scroll compressor. The first outlet is operable to deliver sub-cooled-liquid refrigerant to the heat exchangers while the second outlet is operable to deliver vaporized refrigerant to the scroll compressor. An expansion valve is further provided and is operable to selectively open and close the inlet by a float device. The float device is operable to control an amount of liquid refrigerant disposed within the flash tank by regulating an amount of liquid refrigerant entering the flash tank via the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John J. Healy, Man Wai Wu, Simon Yiren Wang
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Patent number: 7275385Abstract: A heat pump system includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger, a scroll compressor in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers, and a flash tank in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers and the scroll compressor. The flash tank includes an inlet fluidly coupled to the first and second heat exchangers and receives liquid refrigerant from the first and second heat exchangers. The flash tank also includes a first outlet fluidly coupled to the first and second heat exchangers that delivers sub-cooled-liquid refrigerant to the second heat exchanger and a second outlet fluidly coupled to the scroll compressor that delivers vaporized refrigerant to the scroll compressor in a heating mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gnanakumar Robertson Abel, Man Wai Wu, Ka Yiu Lau
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Patent number: 7104086Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus is provided with a vapor compression type refrigerant circuit. With this apparatus, reliability from the standpoint of the pipe cleaning mode of the apparatus is improved. The air conditioning system has a main refrigerant circuit that has a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, and a user-side heat exchanger. The air conditioning system also has a contaminant collecting device provided on the intake side of the compressor (21). The contaminant collecting device is equipped with a contaminant collecting container, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a main opening/closing device. The contaminant collecting container separates contaminants from refrigerant flowing in the intake gas pipe toward the compressor when the refrigerant is directed through it. The inlet and outlet pipes are each provided with a return preventing shape for preventing contaminants that have accumulated inside the pipes from returning to the intake gas pipe.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhide Mizutani, Hiromune Matsuoka, Atsushi Yoshimi, Manabu Yoshimi
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Patent number: RE43312Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to reduce the constraint that the density ratio is constant as small as possible, and to obtain high power recovering effect in a wide operation range. A refrigeration cycle apparatus uses carbon dioxide as refrigerant and has a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger evaporator, an expander and an indoor heat exchanger a radiator. An injection circuit for introducing high pressure refrigerant is provided in a halfway of an expansion process of said expander.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kazuo Nakatani, Yoshikazu Kawabe, Yuji Inoue, Noriho Okaza, Akira Hiwata
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Patent number: RE43409Abstract: A refrigerator door having a dispenser is disclosed. The refrigerator door includes an outer case forming a front appearance of the refrigerator door, an inner case forming a rear appearance of the refrigerator door, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer case and the inner case. First and second mounting frames are installed at both side ends of the refrigerator door and have first and second mounting slots longitudinally formed in the first and second mounting frames in opposition to each other. The dispenser is detachably coupled to a front surface of the outer case and includes a housing, which forms an external appearance of the dispenser and is formed with a recess section. An external plate section is coupled to the front surface of the outer case except for an area in which the dispenser is installed, forming an external appearance of the refrigerator door.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Yong-Chol Kwon
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Patent number: RE43805Abstract: Refrigeration/air conditioning equipment includes a first internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a refrigerant to be sucked in a compressor and a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, an injection circuit for evaporating a bypassed high-pressure liquid at intermediate pressure and injecting the vaporized refrigerant into the compressor, a second internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the high-pressure liquid refrigerant and the refrigerant to be injected, and a heat source for heating the refrigerant to be injected.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Masanori Aoki, Masato Yosomiya, Fumitake Unezaki, Makoto Saitou, Tetsuji Saikusa
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Patent number: RE43998Abstract: Refrigeration/air conditioning equipment includes a first internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a refrigerant to be sucked in a compressor and a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, an injection circuit for evaporating a bypassed high-pressure liquid at intermediate pressure and injecting the vaporized refrigerant into the compressor, a second internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the high-pressure liquid refrigerant and the refrigerant to be injected, and a heat source for heating the refrigerant to be injected.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Masanori Aoki, Masato Yosomiya, Fumitake Unezaki, Makoto Saitou, Tetsuji Saikusa