Deodorizing, Antisepticizing Or Providing Special Atmosphere Patents (Class 62/78)
  • Patent number: 8739558
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide an air conditioner system for providing cold and warm air in cars and buildings. The air conditioner system includes a chamber, a plurality of input air blades, a plurality of input air filters, an electrical ventilator, one or more wet heat exchangers, and one or more dry heat exchangers installed in the chamber, an outgoing air heat exchanger, an operation selection valve, an electrical circulating pump, one or more sets of water sprayers nozzles, one or more water sprayer pumps, one or more thermoelectric modules and a microcontroller unit. The passing of air through the chamber is automatically controlled by the microcontroller unit based on the operation of the system in the cooling or heating mode. The air is cooled in the cooling mode using the multistage water evaporation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Payman Enayati
  • Patent number: 8740420
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes: an air conditioning case having an air passage; a heat exchanger arranged to cross the air passage; a photocatalyst arranged on a surface of the heat exchanger; and an emitting portion which emits light for activating the photocatalyst. The photocatalyst decomposes odor component contained in air. The air conditioning case has a bent portion at upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger, so as to change a flowing direction of the air. The emitting portion is disposed on a wall part of the bent portion, and the wall part is located to oppose to the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuusaku Nishioka, Tomohide Nishino
  • Patent number: 8740099
    Abstract: A system and methods for the storage, and preservation of mechanical assets, including collectable automobiles, small airplanes and watercraft in a storage unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of asset modules. The volume of each asset module is variable. The atmosphere of each asset module may be controlled by a control system. Control of the atmosphere of each asset module includes control of parameters including the type of gas each atmosphere is composed of and the temperature, the pressure and relative humidity of each atmosphere. These parameters may be monitored and controlled from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Michael P. Gibbons
  • Publication number: 20140123688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooled storing system for photo catalytic decomposition of ethylene. The system is preferably a reefer container or a refrigerator and it comprises a cooling unit with an evaporator, and means for providing airflow inside the system. The system further comprises at least one UV-source and TiO2 coated on at least part of the surface of the evaporator. The UV-source is arranged so that light emitted therefrom falls on said surface provided with TiO2 whereby an active surface for photo catalysis is provided. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning the air inside a cooled storing system, said method comprising photo catalytic decomposition of organic compounds contained in a cooled storing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: KJAERULF PEDERSEN A/S
    Inventor: Kristian Ehrhorn
  • Patent number: 8695361
    Abstract: An in-ceiling embedded type air conditioner including an indoor unit having an air blower and an indoor heat exchanger accommodated in a housing a substantially box-shape, and a filtering unit including a gas-liquid contact member that is disposed at the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger on an air blowing passage through which air sucked by the air blower flows in the indoor unit and infiltrated with electrolytic water generated by electrolyzing water, the air and the electrolytic water being brought into contact with each other in the gas-liquid contact member, whereby the air cooled or heated in the indoor heat exchanger is filtered, that is, virus, etc. contained in the air is inactivated, sterilized or the like and then blown out to a room to be air-conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Fukushima, Toru Arakawa, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Takuro Nishihara, Hiroaki Usui, Yoichi Uchida
  • Patent number: 8695362
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case that has a product display area for supporting food product, an opening for providing customer access to the product display area, and an air passageway in fluid communication with the product display area to direct an airflow into the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a door coupled to the case over the opening and including a charged glass pane, and a charge device in fluid communication with the air passageway to alter the polarity of the airflow to create a charged airflow. The charged glass pane and the charged airflow have the same polarity such that the glass pane is insulated from the charged airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Ted W. Sunderland
  • Patent number: 8689577
    Abstract: An in-ceiling embedded type air conditioner including an indoor unit having an air blower and an indoor heat exchanger accommodated in a housing a substantially box-shape, and a filtering unit including a gas-liquid contact member that is disposed at the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger on an air blowing passage through which air sucked by the air blower flows in the indoor unit and infiltrated with electrolytic water generated by electrolyzing water, the air and the electrolytic water being brought into contact with each other in the gas-liquid contact member, whereby the air cooled or heated in the indoor heat exchanger is filtered, that is, virus, etc. contained in the air is inactivated, sterilized or the like and then blown out to a room to be air-conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Fukushima, Toru Arakawa, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Takuro Nishihara, Hiroaki Usui, Yoichi Uchida
  • Patent number: 8650890
    Abstract: A closed space forming unit (41-48) forms a closed space (37, 38) around an adsorption member (51, 52) supporting thereon an adsorbent for desorbing and adsorbing moisture. An active species generating unit (101, 102) supplies active species, for decomposing odorous components, into the closed space (37, 38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kamino, Nobuki Matsui
  • Patent number: 8584473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling apparatus, especially for cryogenically preserving biological samples, comprising a duct (5) for delivering a coolant (3) to a cooling chamber (1), a heater (6) that has an adjustable first heating performance (P2) for heating the coolant (3) delivered to the cooling chamber (1), a first temperature sensor (8-10) for measuring the temperature (T2-T4) in the cooling chamber (1), a second temperature sensor (7) for measuring the temperature (T1) of the coolant (3) delivered to the cooling chamber (1), and a regulator (11) for regulating the temperature. Said regulator (11) is embodied as a multiple regulator which detects several temperatures (T1-T4) as control variables and/or adjusts several heating performances (P1, P2) as manipulated variables. The invention further relates to a corresponding operating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung, e.V.
    Inventors: Uwe Schon, Heiko Zimmermann, Gunter Fuhr
  • Publication number: 20130255302
    Abstract: A method and materials are disclosed for cleaning the internal parts of a refrigeration system while keeping the system on line and operational. The ability to clean the system may bring the energy efficiency of the existing equipment back to or above the original energy efficiency. The ability to also keep the system on line during the cleaning process may avoid extensive down time and may eliminate the need to disassemble and replace system components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: James B. Tieken
  • Publication number: 20130255285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for disinfecting the air of an air flow (2) inside an air supply duct (1) with a nontoxic disinfectant. The disinfectant is sprayed and injected in the injection direction (31) by means of at least one injection nozzle (30) of an injection device (3), the injection direction (31) approximately corresponding to the direction of the air flow (2). The injection in the region located after a contraction (12) in the duct and the related flow acceleration enables an absorption of the particles on the inner walls (100) of the air supply duct (1), over the entire length of the air supply duct (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Susanne Kocher-Kunz
  • Publication number: 20130239595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum container for an adsorption refrigeration machine, said vacuum container being connected to a condenser unit of the adsorption refrigeration machine via connection means that permit the passage of vapor. The container has a discharge arrangement and at least one cooling element. The connection means are provided with at least one component for shutting off or regulating the flow of fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: INVENSOR GMBH
    Inventors: Niels Braunschweig, Soeren Paulussen, Eythymios Kontogeorgopoulos
  • Publication number: 20130213061
    Abstract: An air-handling unit includes a primary air plenum and a primary air inlet in fluid communication with the primary air plenum. The primary air inlet is configured to provide a flow of primary air to the primary air plenum. The air-handling unit also includes a chamber in fluid communication with the primary air plenum. The chamber includes an irradiate cavity and a secondary air inlet configured to accept a flow of secondary air into the irradiate cavity, and a sterilization mechanism positioned in the irradiate cavity. The sterilization mechanism is configured to effectively treat and sterilize the secondary air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: VLADIMIR M. PETROVIC, DANIEL HARRIS, RAINY SHUKLA
  • Patent number: 8490415
    Abstract: A method for preparing a hydrous, cryopreserved sample that is enclosed in a sample container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c), in the case of which, at least sample material is introduced into the sample container; this is then sealed pressure-tight and subsequently cooled by a cryogen (8) in a temporal and spatial sequence, a sacrificial region (4) of the container contents (2) initially solidifying and, only subsequently thereto, the entire container contents solidifying. A sample container (1a) that may be preferably used in this case is designed to be tubular, sealed at both ends thereof, and to essentially have a U-shaped form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Wurzinger, Johannes Leunissen
  • Patent number: 8402775
    Abstract: Provided is a modular vacuum storage apparatus and method for storing, dispensing, preserving and shipping perishable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Edward P. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8389271
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Wright, Douglas Schein, John Brassil
  • Publication number: 20130000327
    Abstract: An ice-making machine includes an ice-forming mold in a food zone of the ice-making machine; a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator in thermal contact with said ice-forming mold, thus producing a combined evaporator and ice-forming mold; and a bulkhead wall separating an equipment compartment from the food zone. A bulkhead space is located between the bulkhead wall and the combined evaporator and ice-forming mold. The bulkhead space is part of the food zone. Air in contact with ice being formed by the ice-making machine can circulate to the bulkhead space. A source of antimicrobially active gas and an air circulation system that causes the antimicrobially active gas to circulate through the bulkhead space. In use, the antimicrobially active gas flows though the bulkhead space to thereby distribute the antimicrobially active gas throughout the bulkhead space, thus inhibiting growth of microbiological contaminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: William E. Olson, Jr., Richard T. Miller, Brad A. Blaha
  • Patent number: 8323387
    Abstract: An air filtering assembly capable of filtering the air having particle matter prior to entrance of the air into a compressor compartment of a refrigeration apparatus comprising: an air filtering device where it said air filtering device includes a frame and a filter member where the filter member includes a front surface and a rear surface; and a support device, where said support device is capable of attaching to an underneath portion of a door of the refrigeration apparatus. The filter member is made of a filtering material, where the filtering material is selected from at least one of a micro fiber material, a plastic material and a paper material. The frame of the air filtering device may be either a rectangular shape or a square shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jody White
  • Publication number: 20120291458
    Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting the growth of microbiological organisms in commercial icemakers and coolers by treatment of the air within the device evaporator air space. The apparatus includes a mechanical filtration device, a PCO device, and a UV light device. Air is drawn from the evaporator space, mixed with a small amount of ambient air from around the apparatus, and mechanically filtered to remove particulates. The filtered air is then passed through the PCO device that is activated by the UV light device, where it is treated by the ROS produced by the activated PCO device. A UV light further produces ROS to treat the filtered air stream, which is returned to the internal space of the commercial refrigeration device. Recirculation of the treated air increases residence time. The addition of a small amount of external air with the internal air allows for positive pressurization of the evaporator space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Roy E. Seibert, Kevin Ezell
  • Patent number: 8293171
    Abstract: The present invention provides with a method of purifying air with significant content of ethylene gas. Bacteria, pathogens, molds, fungus and ethylene gas are removed by using ozone and air filtration technology. This process is useful for storages and production facilities where ethylene might be harmful for perishable products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Dean Haven
  • Publication number: 20120260681
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling plant an a method of cleaning such cooling plant. The cooling plant comprises a cooling chamber and at least one blower with a blast exit for circulating gas in the cooling chamber. The cooling plant further comprises an at least partly removable screen and a surface treatment liquid supply. The removable screen comprises a hole structure with a first and a second side and a plurality of holes extending from the first to the second side. The screen is arranged such that it totally or partly covers the blast exit in a first position so that at least a part of the gas supplied from the blast exit passes directly from the blast exit and through the hole structure from the first side thereof. The surface treatment liquid supply being arranged to supply a surface treatment liquid at least partly on the first side of said hole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicants: CLEANSOLVE HOLDING APS, GRAM EQUIPMENT A/S
    Inventors: Per Bruun Fammé, Hans Faltum
  • Patent number: 8277734
    Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is shone within an area and detected. The detected ultraviolet radiation is monitored over a period of time to determine a set of biological activity dynamics for the area. Ultraviolet radiation detected during a calibration period can be used to provide a baseline with which analysis of subsequently detected ultraviolet radiation is compared and analyzed. When the presence of biological activity is determined within the area, ultraviolet radiation and/or one or more other approaches can be utilized to suppress the biological activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexei Koudymov, Michael Shur, Remigijus Gaska
  • Publication number: 20120204581
    Abstract: A refrigerator which variably controls operation of a sterilizer according to variation in humidity within the refrigerator to improve sterilizing capacity includes a control unit to drive the sterilizer while repeatedly turning the cold air circulation fan on/off during a refrigerating cycle in which the defrosting heater is not operated, and stop driving the sterilizer during operation of the defrosting heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Cheol KANG, Eui Young CHANG, Seong Wook JEONG, Jae Koog AN
  • Publication number: 20120199003
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air distribution control unit or a filtration/ventilation unit which is portable and/or can be mounted on or integrated in furniture e.g. as a cabinet of at the head region of a bed. The filtration/ventilation unit cleanses air from a person/patient by aspirating the person's/patient's exhalation air into the filtration/ventilation unit. To construct an at least partly isolated area around the patient, filtered air can be directed e.g. vertically out of the filtration/ventilation unit to perform an air curtain. Use of the filtration/ventilation unit reduces the risk of dissipation of air-borne diseases and health hazardous matter, and reduces the amount of air to ventilate a room with patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK
    Inventors: Arsen Krikor Melikov, Shengwei Zhu, Zhecho Dimitrov Bolashikov
  • Publication number: 20120198862
    Abstract: A produce storage chamber comprising a chamber capable of encasing produce, a refrigeration system, at least one ozone generation units, and at least one ethylene scrubbers. The chamber is capable of delaying postharvest produce deterioration using at least one of temperature control, ozone generation, and ethylene scrubbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Vincent M. ARRIGO
  • Patent number: 8230691
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an air conditioner utilizing carbon dioxide as a working refrigerant includes three steps. In a charging step, a refrigeration cycle is charged with carbon dioxide. In a venting step, a charging target with which the refrigeration cycle is charged is vented after the charging step. In a repeating step a unit operation is performed at least one time or more. The unit operation includes the charging step and the venting step. An air conditioner includes a refrigeration cycle configured to perform the unit operation at least one time, and a counter configured to count and output the number of times that the unit operation has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kurihara, Hiromune Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20120159972
    Abstract: A method and machine for producing fresh and cool air, dew drinking water, hot air for the dryer, hot water for bathing or other purposes using an energy-saving and environmentally-friendly multipurpose air conditioning as a generator of dew drinking water, hot water and dryer. Mixture of fresh outdoor air and returned air from the rooms passed to the evaporator coils to condense the moisture from the air to produce pure and fresh dew drinking water and cool fresh air, where the air is then flown back into the room. Municipal water or other water then dip the hot discharge line to subcool the refrigerant before entering the condenser thus saving energy and at the same time produce hot water that can be used for bathing or other purposes. Hot air coming from air-cooled condensers can be used as a dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Budhi Haryanto, Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi
  • Patent number: 8196417
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator, including: a refrigerating cycle having an evaporator (1a); a space for exchanging heat with the evaporator; a region for exchanging heat between the evaporator and the space; and a storage chamber and a door for defining the space, wherein at least one of the region, the storage chamber and the door has undergone at least one of a Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture treatment and a Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture exposure treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong-Kyu Kim, Kyung-Dae Hwang, Jin-Hyun Kim, Hyuk-Soon Kim, Seung-Beom Chae, Hyun-Tae Lee, Joo-Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 8166872
    Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Carolina Biotti, Nihat O. Cur, Douglas David Leclear, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20120031118
    Abstract: A method for decontaminating air in an ice making machine, comprising: controlling the level of ozone outputted from an ozone generator by modulating the voltage using pulse width modulation; and contacting the air with the ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: William E. Olson, JR., Ramesh B. Tirumala
  • Patent number: 8065885
    Abstract: A refrigeration and freezing device with fresh-keeping function by supplying nitrogen comprises a box body, a refrigerating and freezing chamber disposed inside the box body, a door to the refrigerating and freezing chamber, a control device and a nitrogen generator; wherein said nitrogen generator is disposed either inside or outside the box body of the refrigeration and freezing device, said nitrogen generator comprises an air inlet, an oxygen outlet, a nitrogen outlet, an air filter connected with the air inlet, a compressor, a pipe device for transmitting gas, at least one carbon molecular sieve absorber, at least one control valve to control different absorbers to work alternately, a nitrogen storage container, a nitrogen purifier, a pressure reducing valve for adjusting the pressure of the produced nitrogen, a ventilating muffler disposed on a pipe to the oxygen outlet and a control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Dong-lei Wang
  • Publication number: 20110232304
    Abstract: A method and system is provided which receives a desired humidity level from a user for the refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator, determines the current humidity level, and then activates an atomizer in the refrigeration compartment to increase the humidity level if needed. The humidity in the refrigeration compartment may be determined based at least in part on the temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the defrost timer, the door opening times, and the compressor timer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ANDERSON BORTOLETTO, RAMEET SINGH GREWAL, GUOLIAN WU
  • Patent number: 7988771
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling odor within a refrigeration appliance is provided. The apparatus includes a frame removably positioned within an airflow path configured to supply cooled air to a food storage compartment of the refrigeration appliance. The frame defines a chamber. A filter medium is positioned within the chamber. The filter medium is configured to filter air channeled therethrough and remove odorous molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sanjay Manohar Anikhindi, Mark Wilson, Sheena Ritchie
  • Patent number: 7934387
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a main body formed by a plurality of members assembled with each other and an air passage along which air introduced into the main body flows. At least one of the member includes a Kimchi lactic bacterium zymogenic material formed on a portion of the member, which contacts the air flowing along the air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Hwan Lee, Kam-Gyu Lee, Dong-Jin Kim, Ju-Ho Ock
  • Patent number: 7854131
    Abstract: A thermal buffer for an intermittent thermal load, e.g., a directed energy weapon (DEW) system, includes a phase change heat exchanger (PCHEX), an apparatus for circulating a first working fluid of the thermal load through first conduits of the PCHEX cell in a first direction such that heat is transferred between the first fluid and a phase change material (PCM) of the PCHEX in a second direction and causes a first phase change in the PCM, and an apparatus for circulating a second working fluid of, e.g., a heat pump through second conduits of the PCHEX in a third direction opposite to the first direction such that heat is transferred between the second fluid and the PCM in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction and results in a second phase change in the PCM opposite to the first phase change therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan Z. Ullman, Clyde D. Newman
  • Publication number: 20100313580
    Abstract: An atomizing electrode includes: a trunk unit made to be tabular-shaped and almost rectangular-shaped for receiving water dropped from water supply means in a direction of gravitational force and delivering the water; and a top end atomizing unit which is a plate-shaped projection formed so as to be projected from a side surface of the trunk unit and formed unitedly with the trunk unit. The trunk unit of the atomizing electrode extends a long-side direction in a horizontal direction, is provided below the cooling unit with a space of a predetermined distance so as not to contact the cooling unit, and is arranged so that when the cooling unit is projected in the direction of gravitational force, a width of the cooling unit in a horizontal direction should be included in a width of a long-side direction of a top surface of the trunk unit exposed to the cooling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Reiji MORIOKA, Takahiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 7842233
    Abstract: A device for disinfecting components of an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle is provided. The device includes an ionizer arranged in the air conditioning system and an electronic control unit configured to activate the ionizer to produce an amount of ions. The amount of ions is determined as a function of an amount of condensate on the components of the air conditioning system to be disinfected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 7824480
    Abstract: A storage compartment comprises an enclosure defining a storage space and an air treatment system in fluid communication with the interior space. The air treatment system includes a light source and a catalyst and configured to treat air without the use of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sub-Zero, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy W. Hurlebaus, Curtis J. Scadden, Curtis Leroy Cruver, IV, Chris Rieger, James E. Pelkey, Ronald M. Austin, Mark J. Blahnik, Colin R. Clerkin, Brian Wylie, Thomas Haft
  • Patent number: 7802443
    Abstract: A self-contained air conditioner unit incorporates an energy recovery ventilator portion that brings about several changes of room air per hour with outdoor fresh air. There is an outdoor air intake plenum which furnishes the fresh air and the condenser air for the condenser coil, and a return air plenum. Air from the room return air plenum is HEPA filtered and conducted to the evaporator coil and evaporator fan, and is supplied back into the conditioned space. The energy recovery ventilator has a counterflow heat exchanger core situated between the return air plenum and the fresh air intake plenum, as well as two ventilation fans, one (or both) of which may be of variable or multiple speed. By controlling the fan speeds, it is possible to produce a neutral pressure, a positive or overpressure, or a negative or underpressure in the conditioned space. The unit can be wheeled into place and installed easily by personnel without special training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Air Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7797963
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a cabinet forming a fresh food storage compartment and a freezer compartment, at least one door for opening and closing the cabinet, and an adsorbing device containing a desiccant material for collecting moisture from air inside the cabinet, wherein the adsorbing device is mounted inside the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Diego Barone, Enrica Monticelli, Lorenzo Bianchi, Giuliano Rosi, Luca Nardi
  • Patent number: 7794518
    Abstract: A filter system for an air cleaner is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The filter system includes one or more filter elements and a filter tray adapted to be received in a filter tray receptacle of the air cleaner. The filter tray includes a bottom surface and one or more bottom airflow apertures formed in the bottom surface. The filter tray receives the one or more filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, Charles W. Reynolds, Dennis T. Lamb
  • Patent number: 7762095
    Abstract: A showcase for storing and/or displaying objects which require a protective gas atmosphere, the base and the cover construction of the showcase more or less surrounding the showcase interior which is sealed in an airtight manner as far as possible relative to the exterior air, having a compressor (2) by which the air (1) present outwith the showcase interior (7) is suctioned in and compressed. Subsequently a protective gas is produced from the compressed air by a gas producer (3) and is supplied to the showcase interior (7), the gas producer (3) being able to be accommodated within or outwith the showcase. In this way, provision of a supply container for the protective gas is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Glasbau Hahn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Hahn
  • Publication number: 20100126190
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which sterilizes an evaporator of an automotive HVAC system depending on whether the vehicle engine starts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Chi Kook Ha
  • Patent number: 7718136
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a microparticle diffusing apparatus capable of largely elongating the spray travel distance of microparticles emitted from the microparticle diffusing apparatus and, also, capable of emitting the microparticles in a wide range, enhancing the effect of the microparticles and reducing the noise. The microparticle diffusing apparatus includes a microparticle generating apparatus which generates microparticles from a microparticle generating part, a wind-blowing path which transfers the microparticles generated from the microparticle generating apparatus, and a blowout opening which is formed in an end of the wind-blowing path and which discharges the microparticles, and an aspect ratio of a cross section of the wind-blowing path is gradually increased from a start point to an end point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Ohtsuka, Yoshikazu Inoue, Takashi Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20100071397
    Abstract: An ion generating device generates O2?(H2O)n (where n is a natural number) as negative ions and H+(H2O)m (where m is a natural number) as positive ions, and discharges those ions into the air so that airborne germs are killed through an oxidation reaction by hydrogen peroxide H2O2 or radical hydroxyl OH generated through as an active species a chemical reaction between the negative and positive ions. Satisfactory sterilization is achieved when the negative and positive ions are generated in such a way that the concentrations of the negative and positive ions are both 10,000 ion/cc at a distance of 10 cm from the point at which they are generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Yasukata Takeda, Yoshinori Sekoguchi, Takeshi Furukawa, Mamoru Morikawa, Toshiaki Takano, Katsutoshi Noguchi, Hideo Nojima, Kazuo Nishikawa, Akio Miyata
  • Patent number: 7681411
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ice making apparatus and method whereby the cleanliness of ice is improved through the use of ozone (O3). The invention utilizes a volute aspirator that is positioned within the intake of a conventional sump pump. The vacuum generated by the pump draws upon both a supply of ozone and water, whereby the ozone is entrained within the water. The presence of the ozone within the water inhibits the growth of bacteria and other contaminates. The ozonated water is then used in the production of ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas DiLorenzo
  • Patent number: 7678563
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Wright, Douglas Schein, John Brassil
  • Publication number: 20100043460
    Abstract: A reaction block is provided that utilizes a refrigerant gas for cooling that includes a plurality of reaction stations each defining a reaction chamber for receiving a reaction vessel and defining a gas conducting passageway for conducting the refrigerant gas through the reaction station in temperature transmitting relation thereto. The reaction block also includes a metering means in fluid communication with a respective one of the reaction stations and is configured to receive a liquid refrigerant and to deliver an amount of refrigerant gas to the gas conducting passageway of one of the reaction stations in order to cool the contents inside the reaction vessel located at that reaction station. The metering means is also configured so that the amount of the refrigerant gas delivered to the gas conducting passageway of one reaction station is independent of the amount of refrigerant gas delivered to another one of the reaction stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Electrothermal Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Ivan Van de Vyver
  • Patent number: 7665314
    Abstract: A refrigerated container having an air compressor for maintaining a controlled atmosphere includes provisions for cooling the ambient air being drawn in by the air compressor to thereby prevent corrosion in the air compressor. A condensing line heat exchanger is connected between an inlet port and the compressor and is so disposed that the evaporator fan passes air thereover to provide cooling to the ambient air passing therethrough such that condensation forms within the tube. A water separator is included in the system to remove condensate and allow the drier air to pass to the compressor. The water separator is so constructed as to allow for the free flow of air therethrough with very little restriction. A drain fitting in the water separator is so constructed as to prevent spattering that might otherwise occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond L. Senf, Jr., Alan D. Abbott, Stephen Kenney
  • Patent number: RE43429
    Abstract: A container for transporting a load in conditioned space air, where the container includes a number of walls defining a closed conditioned space with an ambient air intake opening and a conditioned space air exhaust opening provided on one of the container walls; a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the conditioned space air; an ambient air exchange so system having a door movable relative to the exhaust and intake openings to thereby change the rate that conditioned space air is exchanged with ambient air, and a motor for repositioning the ambient air exchange door. The container also including a container controller in signal transmitting relation with the air exchange door repositioning motor. The controller sends signals to the repositioning motor to move the ambient air exchange door to a position which produces the required ambient air exchange rate to preserve the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Freese, Neil D. Tamppari, Randy S. Burnham