With Removing Of Moisture Patents (Class 62/93)
  • Patent number: 9804071
    Abstract: There are provided a sample cooling device capable of effectively removing moisture in the air inside an accommodating chamber where a sample container is accommodated, and of preventing a problem caused by occurrence of frost, an autosampler provided with the same, and a sample cooling method. A first driving process of setting a set temperature of a dehumidifier section to at or below the freezing point, and a second driving process of stopping driving of the dehumidifier section or of raising the set temperature of the dehumidifier section to above the freezing point after the first driving process is performed over a predetermined period of time are performed. Thus, the set temperature of the dehumidifier section may be made to at or below the freezing point by the first driving process, and moisture in the air inside the accommodating chamber may be made to temporarily attach to the dehumidifier section as frost and then be melted by the second driving process and be collected as water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Inoue
  • Patent number: 9782716
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from compressed air is disclosed. The method includes the steps of passing a stream of compressed air through a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) dryer. The dryer includes at least one vessel containing a desiccant material bound into pieces, for example tubes, using a polymer binder. The PSA dryer also has a control system for controlling the flow of the compressed air and switching between drying and purging modes. In particular the vessel and desiccant material contained therein are sized to produce a dew point suppression of less than 50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: NORGREN LIMITED
    Inventor: Colin Billiet
  • Patent number: 9671117
    Abstract: A hybrid dehumidification system for controlling the humidity and/or both humidity and temperature in a space includes a cooling coil for first cooling, or cooling and reducing the humidity of, an airstream to be supplied to the space with an aqueous cooling medium, passing the thus cooled airstream through a desiccant adsorption means to further reduce the humidity of the airstream before supplying the airstream to the space, and regenerating the desiccant adsorption means by heating the desiccant with waste heat from a heat pump used to further cool the first aqueous cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Munters Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Dinnage
  • Patent number: 9617909
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a condensate level in a charge air cooler. In one example, a method may include adjusting an air flow to a membrane in response to a condensate level in the charge air cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, John Hoard
  • Patent number: 9606592
    Abstract: A system and method of displaying the temperature and relative humidity data of sensors on a psychrometric chart. The system and method operate to display an environmental envelope on the psychrometric chart in order to compare the data of the sensors to the environmental envelope of the psychrometric chart, in order to ensure safe operating conditions for data center equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Raritan Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-I Hsu, Siva Somasundaram, Neil Weinstock
  • Patent number: 9494350
    Abstract: A plate-type heat exchanger having a first heat exchanger portion configured to receive a refrigerant flow and a hot side coolant flow having a lower temperature than the refrigerant flow, a second heat exchanger portion configured to receive the refrigerant flow exiting from the first heat exchanger portion and a cold side coolant flow having a higher temperature than the refrigerant flow exiting from the first heat exchanger portion, and an internal heat exchanger portion sandwiched between the first heat exchanger portion and the second heat exchanger portion. The refrigerant flow through the plate type heat exchanger is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot side coolant flow and the cold side coolant flow. The cold side coolant flow transfers heat energy to the refrigerant, which in turn transfer that heat energy to the hot side coolant flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Prasad S. Kadle, Gary S. Vreeland, Frederick V. Oddi
  • Patent number: 9433891
    Abstract: A reusable, personal dehumidification system is provided that is utilized to remove moisture from the air within personal environments such that a user can remain dry. The system comprises a personal dehumidification device comprises a plurality of attached and foldable casings that support reusable moisture absorbing material therein. The personal dehumidification device is placed within a personal environment such that dry air is maintained therein to lessen a user's body perspiration while sleeping or the like. The personal dehumidification system further comprises a recharging unit, which is an insulated housing having a moisture wick material therein and an electrical heating element for releasing moisture from the personal dehumidification device when enclosed therein. The moisture is released from the device, whereafter the device can be reused within another personal environment to remove moisture therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Dennis McRae
  • Patent number: 9322570
    Abstract: A system and method for removing condensate from an air conditioning unit is disclosed. A conduit includes an outlet portion that is connected to a chamber of a housing of the unit at a first location, and an inlet portion that is connected to the chamber at a second location where condensate accumulates. A gravitational separator portion which extends below the second location is connected to the outlet portion and the inlet portion. A draining portion having an orifice for allowing condensate to exit the conduit is connected to the gravitational separator portion below the second location. The first location is chosen such that during operation of the unit the pressure at the first location is less than the pressure at the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Hodges, Nallusamy Paraman, Robert Ferenc
  • Patent number: 9155229
    Abstract: An information technology enclosure has a processing subsystem and infrastructure subsystem in separate shipping containers that cooperate to process information. The processing subsystem has increased information processing density by concentrating information handling systems in a first processing shipping container that is supported with infrastructure equipment in a second infrastructure shipping container. In one embodiment, the shipping containers are arranged in a stacked configuration so that cooled air and exhausted air are exchanged through aligned vents formed in the ceiling and floor of stacked shipping containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Ty Schmitt, Robert Riegler
  • Patent number: 9132382
    Abstract: A system for water extraction from air is provided. The system includes a housing having a plurality of openings allowing an air flow to enter into an inner space defined by the housing. The system also includes a sponge disposed within the inner space defined by the housing. The sponge includes a water absorbing/adsorbing material for absorbing/adsorbing water vapor from the air flow. The system further includes a presser disposed above the sponge and configured to compress the sponge to discharge water from the sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: LTA Corporation
    Inventor: John Goelet
  • Patent number: 9120054
    Abstract: A refrigerated air dryer includes a three-path heat exchanger 18 having an air path 18a, a refrigerant path 18b, and a fluid path 18c. The three flow paths exchange heat within a single unit to provide a compact heat exchanger with improved thermal performance at a lower production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Paolo De Piero, Maurizio Nardini, Charles John Bergh
  • Patent number: 9109840
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a unitary heat pump air conditioner (Unitary HPAC) having a plate type exchanger assembly, an electrically driven compressor, and coolant pumps. The plate heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of plates stacked and hermetically sealed between an upstream end plate and a downstream end plate. The stacked plates define a condenser/chiller portion adjacent the upstream end plate, an accumulator portion adjacent the downstream end plate, and an evaporator/chiller portion sandwiched between the condenser/chiller portion and the accumulator portion. A refrigerant passageway extends through the plate type heat exchanger assembly, a hot coolant passageway extends through the condenser/chiller portion, and a cold coolant passageway extends through the evaporator/chiller portion. The cold coolant passageway and the hot coolant passageway are in non-contact thermal communication with the refrigerant passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad S. Kadle, Gary S. Vreeland, Frederick V. Oddi
  • Patent number: 9038406
    Abstract: Dehumidifying cooling apparatus and method are provided for an electronics rack. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed at an air inlet or outlet side of the rack and positioned for air passing through the electronics rack to pass across the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is in fluid communication with a coolant loop for passing coolant therethrough at a temperature below a dew point temperature of the air passing across the heat exchanger so that air passing across the heat exchanger is dehumidified and cooled. A condensate collector, disposed below the heat exchanger, collects liquid condensate from the dehumidifying of air passing through the electronics rack, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of sloped surfaces configured to facilitate drainage of liquid condensate from the heat exchanger to the condensate collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20150128483
    Abstract: Described herein is a heating system where air is drawn into a system where hot gas is injected into it. The air is then discharged at a regulated temperature into an environment through ductwork to heat environments to elevated temperatures and employing functional modules to further condition the air to humidify, dehumidify, decontaminate with airborne free-radicals, and filtrate in both stationary and portable applications. The system is useful to eradicate pests, disease germs, bacteria, viruses, and mold. The system is also useful in water remediation and comfort heating. The system can be configured to create a parallel path to both heat and dehumidify the airflow blended and discharged at the operator-chosen set-point temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Supplier Support International, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Krupp, Kevin D. Krupp
  • Patent number: 9021818
    Abstract: Device for cool drying comprising a heat exchanger (2) whose primary part is the vaporizer (3) of a cooling circuit (4) which also includes a compressor (6) driven by a motor (5), a control device (16) for this motor (5) and measuring device (17) for the lowest air temperature (LAT), measuring device (18) for the ambient temperature (Tamb) and a flow meter (19), whereby this control device (16) can be at least switched in a first user mode in which the cooling circuit (4) is only activated when the gas flow exceeds a preset value and a second user mode in which the lowest air temperature (LAT) is maintained within a certain range by controlling the cooling circuit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventors: Monica Dalla Valle, Wouter Denis Ann Van Dijck
  • Patent number: 9021810
    Abstract: A power plant includes a boiler, a stream turbine generator, a post combustion processing system, a feed water regeneration processing system and a heat exchanger. Heat from the heat exchanger is used to regenerate (a) a reagent that absorbs carbon dioxide from flue gas and (b) a water-lean desiccant used to increase plant operating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kunlei Liu, James K. Neathery
  • Publication number: 20150114015
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an air inlet configured to receive an inlet airflow. The inlet airflow comprises a process airflow and a bypass airflow. An evaporator unit receives a flow of refrigerant and is cools the process airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the process airflow to the flow of refrigerant. A condenser unit receives the flow of refrigerant and (1) reheats the process airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant to the process airflow, and (2) heats the bypass airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant to the bypass airflow. The process airflow is discharged via a process airflow outlet and the bypass airflow is discharged via a bypass airflow outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Steven S. Dingle, Marco A. Tejeda, Timothy S. O'Brien, Todd R. DeMonte, Vincent Yu
  • Publication number: 20150107281
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating liquid water include multiple atmospheric water generation devices adapted to produce liquid water from atmospheric humidity, used in conjunction with a turbine. The turbine is usable to simultaneously provide power to the devices, while the air intake thereof is used to move air associated with the devices, enabling a generally continuous supply of atmospheric air to be processed while reducing the accumulation of heat associated with the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Moses West
  • Patent number: 9003815
    Abstract: An aircraft air conditioning system has a fresh air line connected to a fresh air inlet for supplying fresh air to the air conditioning system and a sorption device disposed in the fresh air line which contains a sorbent for taking up moisture from the fresh air flowing through the fresh air line. The sorption device is adapted to expose the sorbent contained in the sorption device to ambient pressure surrounding an aircraft carrying the aircraft air conditioning system when the aircraft is flying for the purpose of regeneration of the sorbent. The sorption device is thermally connectable to a heat source that is adapted, when the aircraft is flying and while the sorbent contained in the sorption device is exposed to the ambient pressure, to supply thermal energy from the heat source to the sorbent contained in the sorption device for the purpose of assisting the regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Baker Al-Ali
  • Patent number: 8973383
    Abstract: A humidity control apparatus has a humidity control apparatus having a humidifying part for humidifying air and a dehumidifying part for dehumidifying to control humidity of a humidity control space. The dehumidifying part has: a main body part that is configured to encapsulate a working fluid therein and to cause a heat-pipe phenomenon. A heat-insulating part fits externally to the main body part and a heat absorption part absorbs heat from a base side part located on one side of the main body part in relation to the heat-insulating part and thereby condenses the working fluid that evaporated into gas in a front side part located on the other side of the main body part in relation to the heat-insulating part. The dehumidifying part dehumidifies the air by means of the front side part of the main body part where the working fluid in liquid form evaporates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Espec Corp.
    Inventor: Shinichirou Sakami
  • Patent number: 8959936
    Abstract: A method for operating an HVAC system includes the steps of adjusting a heating temperature of a heat exchanger disposed in a first flow passage, directing a first partial air mass flow through the first flow passage, directing a second partial air mass flow through a second flow passage, and directing the first partial air mass flow and the second partial air mass flow downstream of the first flow passage and the second flow passage, wherein the heating temperature of the heat exchanger required to at least one of achieve and maintain a desired climate in the passenger compartment of the vehicle is set as a maximum heating temperature for the heat exchanger, and wherein only an amount of energy required to at least one of achieve and maintain a desired climate in the passenger compartment of the vehicle is added to the HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Richter, Tobias Haas, Marc Graaf
  • Patent number: 8943843
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Budhi Haryanto, Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi
  • Patent number: 8943850
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: 7AC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Vandermeulen, Jack I. Hanoka, Chaim Hanoka
  • Publication number: 20140349214
    Abstract: A device for cooling and dehumidifying gases includes a first hollow body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a condensate drain; a second hollow body with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet; and a drive unit. The first hollow body encloses the second hollow body at least in part. One of the first hollow body and the second hollow body is pivotally held relative to the other hollow body and includes at least one turbulence-generating body that extends in the direction of the other hollow body. For rotating the pivotally held hollow body the drive unit is couplable to the hollow body. In this manner a single-stage device for cooling and dehumidifying gases that include water vapor is implemented, which device requires little installation space and is of a particularly lightweight construction. Thus the device is particularly well suited for use in vehicles, in particular in aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Felix Frederik Oehme
  • Patent number: 8875535
    Abstract: A water collector is telescoped into the interior of an aircraft condenser. The condenser has a header for collecting air from the condenser and the water collector is disposed at least partially within the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick Peacos, III, Donald E. Army
  • Patent number: 8868220
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically changing an operational state of an appliance associated with a known fixed location. A current location of an individual is automatically determined with respect to a known fixed location using at least one wireless communication device. The system automatically determines if an operational state of at least one appliance associated with the known fixed location is to be changed based on at least the current location of the individual. The operational state of the at least one appliance is automatically changed if it is determined that the operational state is to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Crucs Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Patent number: 8857207
    Abstract: A refrigerant dryer, in particular a compressed air refrigerant dryer, is provided for drying a gaseous fluid while cooling the gaseous fluid using a refrigerant. The dryer includes a pressure fluid-refrigerant agent-heat exchanger (30) in which a cooling of the gaseous fluid takes place directly or indirectly by a refrigerant conveyed in a primary loop (16), one or more refrigerant compressor/compressors (24) for operating the primary loop, and a cold accumulator (13) with an accumulator-side heat exchanger (20) which couples an accumulator discharge fluid to a cold accumulator medium (14). The pressure fluid-refrigerant agent-heat exchanger (30) and the cold accumulator (13) are fluidically connected or can be brought into fluidic connection via a discharge loop (15) for an accumulator discharge fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kaeser Kompressoren SE
    Inventors: Kristian Dering, Michael Feisthauer, Andreas Fredenhagen, Andreas Foerster, Klaus-Ulrich Kobelt
  • Patent number: 8833092
    Abstract: In one example, we describe reliable, flexible, low-maintenance, low-overhead, low-cost installation, practical, and easy-to-install structures and components or techniques (methods and systems) for water capture from high humidity sources, e.g., sea or river, for use or consumption by humans, animals, or plants/agriculture/food production. In one example, it is modularized. Thus, it is easier for transportation and maintenance, with less cost and down-time. For example, it can be used in some regions in the Middle East or Africa, with dry land with no or small amount of rain. In one example, we describe the use of renewable energy sources. In one example, we describe the control system for operation of water collection and distribution systems, e.g., for optimization and efficiency or cost. We also describe the mechanisms, techniques, components, and systems to implement various tasks and goals related to these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Cyrus Sobhani, Saied Tadayon, Bijan Tadayon
  • Patent number: 8833091
    Abstract: A method and system for condensing water from ambient air. A dew extracting device with a dew extraction zone having surfaces has the surfaces chilled to below dew temperature for a first period of time. An air moving device directs a flow of air over the chilled surfaces so that liquid water condenses on the surfaces, raising the temperature of the surfaces. The chilling of the surfaces is terminated for a second period of time and liquid water is removed from the surfaces and heat of condensation is removed from the dew extraction zone. Then the process repeats to obtain additional liquid water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Robert P. Biancardi
  • Patent number: 8826676
    Abstract: The system is for regulating the climate of the greenhouse. The warm greenhouse air is cooled by cooling water. The system has a spray condenser that includes a conduit for leading the cooling water to the condenser. The condenser has a blower to transfer warm air to be cooled to the condenser. The warm air from the greenhouse is used to warm the water sprayed from the spray condenser. The cooling water may be delivered from an evaporator that has water that is cooled by outside air blown into the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Navarbo Oy
    Inventors: Esko Huhta-Koivisto, Jukka Huttunen
  • Publication number: 20140223932
    Abstract: An apparatus harvests latent energy and water by adiabatically decompressing a controlled volume of atmospheric air to lower its pressure and temperature below the saturation point of included water vapor, thus causing the water vapor to change state to nonvaporous water and release to the decompressed air thermal energy associated with the change of state. The apparatus then extracts the nonvaporous water, leaving the released thermal energy in the decompressed air. The apparatus then recompresses the decompressed air, which will have a resulting temperature, and thus a thermal energy, greater than those of the initially ingested air, and harvests the recompressed air and its increased thermal energy. The apparatus can also humidify and warm atmospheric air before it is ingested to increase appreciably the amount of harvested thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: The Aura Watch Co.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Thompson, Owen E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8800308
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: 7AC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Vandermeulen, Jack I. Hanoka, Chaim Hanoka
  • Publication number: 20140196488
    Abstract: An apparatus extracts water from the air using a single circuit of gas containing a compressor, a cooling element, a heat exchanger and an ion source, where a single stream of air is used to provide water and to pre-cool the inlet air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Philip Mark Shryane ROBERTS, Allan EVANS, Michael Charles TOMLIN, Harry Garth WALTON
  • Patent number: 8769970
    Abstract: A refrigerated case (20) has a housing containing an interior volume (36) for storing items. Along an air flow path (510) through the case, a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger (60) has an evaporator section (112) and a reheat section (114). A preconditioning section (110) may be upstream of the evaporator section (112) and the evaporator section is upstream of the reheat section (114). Along a refrigerant flow path (520), the reheat section (114) is downstream of the preconditioning section (110) (if any) and upstream of the evaporator section (112) and an expansion device (62) is between the reheat (114) and evaporator (112) sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok K. Fung, Neelkanth S. Gupte
  • Publication number: 20140165633
    Abstract: An air compressor system is disclosed that includes a housing sized to enclose an air compressor pump as well as a dryer structured to remove moisture from air that is compressed by the compressor pump. The air compressor pump may be intermittently placed into operation, but the dryer itself is structured in one form to continuously maintain a heat exchanger in a desired temperature range in anticipation of operation of the air compressor pump. The heat exchanger of the dryer can include sufficient thermal mass such that a refrigerant pump of the dryer need not be operated continuously in anticipation of operation of the air compressor pump. While a cooling air flow can be created by operation of the air compressor pump, when the air compressor pump is not operated a cooling fan can be used provide cooling to the heat generating components of the dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Paolo De Piero, Stefano Vezil, Charles John Bergh
  • Patent number: 8753566
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for treating a condensate stream from a condenser that contains odorous compounds, such as various condensate streams produced in a rendering process. In one embodiment, the condensate stream is treated by adding an oxidizer to the liquid condensate stream to oxidize odor-causing compounds in the stream prior to being treated in a waste water pre-treatment system. In this manner, the odor resulting from these compounds can be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen R. Temple
  • Publication number: 20140096548
    Abstract: A device that collects water vapor, from the ambient air, through condensation or deposition, on the surface of its unique heat exchangers, which are embodied with opposing intertwined and alternating refrigeration circuits. In a dual refrigeration circuit/dual heat exchanger configuration, one refrigeration circuit is responsible for freezing heat exchanger A and heating heat exchanger B while the other refrigeration circuit is responsible for heating heat exchanger A and freezing heat exchanger B. The alternating refrigeration circuits work together to intermittently freeze then thaw each heat exchanger. The water run-off from the thawing process is then collected for use. The condenser tubes of one refrigeration circuit are positioned proximate to the evaporator tubes of the second refrigeration circuit to facilitate the exchange of heat. The system may further comprise heat exchanger fins in contact with the tubes. Multiple pairs of heat exchangers may be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Philip Heller
  • Patent number: 8689571
    Abstract: Provided is a dryer for minimizing moisture entrained within a refrigerant used to provide a cooling effect to a temperature-controlled environment, and a refrigeration appliance including such a dryer. The dryer includes a housing defining a drying chamber and a desiccant disposed within the drying chamber for removing at least a portion of the moisture from the refrigerant. A first outlet is formed in the housing adjacent a lower region of the drying chamber when the drying chamber is viewed in an operational orientation. A second outlet is also formed in the housing at an elevation vertically above the first outlet when the dryer is viewed in the operational orientation for discharging at least a portion of the refrigerant introduced into the drying chamber to be delivered to a second heat exchanger with a relatively-low internal pressure. The elevation of the second outlet relative to the first outlet promotes the discharge of the refrigerant through the first outlet instead of through the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Antonio Contreras Lafaire, David L. Hall, Marcelo Candeo, Dennis Carl Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140083120
    Abstract: The present invention describes an atmospheric potable water generator apparatus and method of use powered entirely by renewable energy sources, which generates water from atmospheric air. The apparatus uses solar energy to heat atmospheric air in a condensing air chamber, uses wind to cool the air, condenses water on a cooling surface thereby creating potable water from atmospheric air. The apparatus may be used off the energy grid and can be applied on a large scale or for personal portable use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Elizabeth Nowak, Guy Katz
  • Publication number: 20140075977
    Abstract: An air conditioning system comprises a housing defining a first airflow path therein between an outside air inlet over a cooling coil and an outlet for delivering outside air from said outside air inlet over said coil to the outlet, a second airflow path between a return air inlet over the cooling coil and to the outlet for delivering return air over the cooling coil, and a third airflow path between the return air inlet and the outlet for delivering return air through the housing without passing over the cooling coil. The system includes outside, return, and bypass air dampers that are sequentially moveable between open and closed positions for directing air through or preventing air from entering the first, second, and third airflow paths, respectively. A controller independently controls the opening and closing of each damper in response to data received from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Elliott, Phillip Walker, Marty Robbins, Allen Payne
  • Publication number: 20140041402
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of operating a refrigeration system includes measuring a relative humidity of a container and comparing the measured relative humidity to a humidity set point. The method also includes operating evaporator fans of a refrigeration system when the measured relative humidity is above the humidity set point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Ole Thogersen, Allan Dyrmose
  • Patent number: 8640472
    Abstract: Recuperation systems and methods are applied to vapor compression cycles in dehumidification, such as in air conditioning. In some embodiments, a method for dehumidification includes introducing a refrigerant from a heating unit to a cooling unit along a first path; introducing the refrigerant from the cooling unit to the heating unit along a second path different from the first path; introducing the refrigerant from the heating unit to the cooling unit along a third path different from the first path; and contacting the cooling unit and the heating unit with a first gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: TIAX LLC
    Inventors: John T. Dieckmann, Detlef Westphalen
  • Patent number: 8601826
    Abstract: An air cooling system includes a heat exchanger, an inlet duct, an outlet duct, and an outlet header. The inlet duct is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and is configured to direct relatively warm air from the cabin into the heat exchanger. The outlet duct is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and configured to direct relatively cool air out of the heat exchanger and back to the cabin. The outlet header is located between the heat exchanger and the outlet duct. The outlet header has a shape configured to collect water from the cool air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Army, Charles J. McColgan
  • Patent number: 8601825
    Abstract: An integrated absorption refrigeration and dehumidification system includes an absorber containing an absorption solution, an after-cooler having a flow path to receive the solution and a flow path to receive a warm fluid, the flow paths being thermally coupled to separate a refrigerant from the solution, and an auxiliary heat exchanger having a flow path to receive the solution from the after-cooler and a flow path to receive a warm fluid, the flow paths being thermally coupled to separate more refrigerant from the solution. The system also includes a condenser positioned to receive and cool the refrigerant from the auxiliary heater, an expansion valve positioned to receive the refrigerant from the condenser, an evaporator positioned to receive the refrigerant from the expansion valve and the warm fluid from the after-cooler, and a separator to remove condensate from the warm fluid from the after-cooler or a cool fluid from the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: James C. Collins
  • Publication number: 20130319021
    Abstract: A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to dynamically control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Z124
    Inventors: James Ball, Charles Becze, Michael J. Flynn, Kean Wing Kin Lam, Richard Teltz
  • 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: 20130291573
    Abstract: A method maintains, in a compressed gas dryer, working through condensation of moisture contained in the air and with dryer thermal load demands, an operation that keeps the temperature of the evaporator, near the outflow of the compressed air, in range between a value sufficiently high to avoid freezing the moisture in the compressed air and a value sufficiently low to avoid compromising the effect of moisture condensation generated by the decreased temperature. This objective is achieved with a compressor by-pass conduit on which is mounted a selectively controllable adjusting valve. The operation includes: measurement of the evaporation temperature (Tev), and verification the temperature is higher than a preset value (Set_Tev); starting the compressor; opening the valve for a preset time, and then closing it; verification that the temperature is higher than a preset value; if the time elapsed is longer than a predetermined time, then the valve is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: PARKER HANNIFIN MANUFACTURING S.R.L.
    Inventor: Chiara Favero
  • Patent number: 8523980
    Abstract: An apparatus for water reclamation includes an inlet head for admitting warm humid ambient air, a buried pipe coupled at a first end to the inlet head and sloping downward in the ground from the first end. Water condenses as the air is cooled in the buried pipe and collects in a cistern coupled at a second end of the buried pipe. A tube coupled at a lower end near the second end of the buried pipe includes a heated element extending at least partially into the tube from an upper end of the tube. Cooled air is heated by the heated element and is expelled at the top of the tube. A heater is coupled to an upper end of the heated element. The heater may be a solar collector with a Bernoulli aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Javier Fernandez-Han
  • Publication number: 20130199221
    Abstract: An apparatus and system to produce purified drinking water from humid air is provided. The apparatus includes a condenser and evaporator coil assembly with a source of germicidal activity. A method to provide purified drinking water from humid air using a stand along apparatus is provided. The apparatus can also dehumidify, improve air-quality and provide air-conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Water Technologies International, LLC
    Inventor: William Scott Tudor
  • Publication number: 20130186117
    Abstract: A system to process inlet air includes a dehumidifying portion configured to dehumidify the inlet air. The system also includes a chilling portion configured to cool the inlet air, and bypass louvers configured to open and close, the bypass louvers being open to channel the inlet air to the chilling portion when the dehumidifying portion is not operational. A control portion of the system is configured to operate the bypass louvers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Bhalchandra Arun Desai