US4513577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Evaporator and method of operation
Assignee: FAGAN CHRISTOPHER B TRUSTEE OF IRREVOCABLE TRUST OF NEILL R WILSON
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Filing: 1982-11-19
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Granted: 1985-04-30
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Expires: 2002-11-19
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to an evaporator coil structure for use in building air conditioner systems which improves the operating efficiency of the system, as well as to a method of cycling the on and off operation of the system's compressor to further improve its overall operating efficiency. More specifically a coil structure is provided that will inherently save a large portion of the energy normally wasted due to the energy absorbed by condensation of moisture as air is conducted through the coil.
Inventors
- 👤 Neill R. Wilson
- 👤 Susan E. Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 03:44
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24F; F24F3/00; F24F3/12; F24F3/14; F24F3/1405; F24F1/00; F24F1/02; F24F1/022; F24F1/027; F24F13/00; F24F13/22; F24F13/222; F24F13/224
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of cooling moisture containing air comprising: passing said air over a metal surface which is cooled by evaporation of a refrigerant, whereby the moisture condenses on said surface; conducting said condensate to a point on the downstream air side of said surface; thereafter dispersing said condensate whereby said condensate re-evaporates into said air; and, stopping the evaporation of said refrigerant for a period of time when an excess of condensate builds up on the downstream air side of said surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of cooling moisture containing air comprising: passing said air over a metal surface which is cooled by evaporation of a refrigerant, whereby the moisture condenses on said surface; conducting said condensate to a point on the downstream air side of said surface; thereafter dispersing said condensate whereby said condensate re-evaporates into said air; and, stopping the evaporation of said refrigerant for a period of time when an excess of condensate builds up on the downstream air side of said surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
93 words
A heat exchanger for use as an evaporator comprising: a plurality of refrigerant conducting tubes; a plurality of fins mounted on said tubes; means for flowing air thru said mesh material; an air permeable mesh material positioned adjacent said fins and on the downstream side of said fins; means for conducting condensate from said fins to said mesh, said means including a plurality of spaced inclined ridges provided on said fins; and, control means for stoping the operation of the evaporator when the moisture level exceeds a predetermined maximum in said mesh material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
93 words
A heat exchanger for use as an evaporator comprising: a plurality of refrigerant conducting tubes; a plurality of fins mounted on said tubes; means for flowing air thru said mesh material; an air permeable mesh material positioned adjacent said fins and on the downstream side of said fins; means for conducting condensate from said fins to said mesh, said means including a plurality of spaced inclined ridges provided on said fins; and, control means for stoping the operation of the evaporator when the moisture level exceeds a predetermined maximum in said mesh material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein said fins each comprise a rectangular piece of sheet metal having elongated identations stamped therein each of which extends from a point near one long side of the rectangle to a point on the opposite long side of the rectangle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The heat exchanger of claim 3 wherein the elongated identations extend at an angle to one long side of the rectangle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The heat exchanger of claim 3 wherein one side of the fin includes a series of triangular points extending from the side and wherein the identations extend into the triangles.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The heat exchanger of claim 5 wherein said points serve to space said mesh material away from a main portion of said fins thus allowing better air flow into and through said mesh material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The heat exchanger of claim 2 wherein said mesh material is readily removable from the heat exchanger for cleaning and replacement.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The heat exchanger of claim 2 wherein said means for flowing air comprises a fan which moves air through said mesh material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heat exchanger of claim 2 wherein said control means includes a moisture sensor and a control circuit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said condensate is conducted to a mesh material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of passing air through said mesh material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 11 wherein said air continues to be passed through said mesh material even when the evaporation of said refrigerant is stopped.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2382502A
Cited
US3747362A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-04-29 | 1988-10-29 | 1989-04-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-04-29 | 1992-10-29 | 1993-04-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-04-29 | 1996-10-29 | 1997-04-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |