Patent EP0711061B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5664433A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Indirect and direct evaporative cooling system
Assignee: Davis Energy Group Inc
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Filing: 1995-12-14
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Granted: 1997-09-09
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Expires: 2015-12-14
Abstract
Abstract An indirect/direct evaporative cooling system for cooling air for comfort purposes includes a single, variable speed blower positioned below an indirect evaporative cooling stage and a direct evaporative cooling stage. A first portion of the blower discharge is directed horizontally through the indirect evaporative cooling stage, where it is cooled without the addition of moisture thereto, and is then further cooled in the direct evaporative stage prior to being supplied to a building. A second portion of the blower discharge is directed vertically through the indirect evaporative cooling stage and serves to cool the first portion as the first portion travels through the indirect stage. The indirect and direct cooling stages share a common sump for collecting water drained therefrom. The indirect stage includes a drip edge to keep drain water out of the flow of the first portion. A stud-straddle supply duct is attached to the direct cooling stage to facilitate installation of the system in wood-framed walls.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C. Bourne
- 👤 Joel R. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:09
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24F; F24F5/00; F24F5/0007; F24F5/0035; F24F1/00; F24F1/0007; F24F1/0059; F24F1/0063; F28; F28C; F28C1/00; F28C1/14; F28D; F28D5/00; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B30/00; Y02B30/54; Y02B30/70; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; and a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction, a portion of the air being turned 90° to flow horizontally through the primary flow passage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; and a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction, a portion of the air being turned 90° to flow horizontally through the primary flow passage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the blower is positioned below at least one of the cooling stages.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising means for separating the air discharged by the blower into first and second air flows.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 3, wherein the separating means comprises a diverter positioned proximate to an outlet of the blower.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 3, wherein one of the first and second air flows enters through the bottom of the indirect cooling stage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising a drip edge for keeping water from said indirect cooling stage out of the first flow.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising means for directing at least a portion of air discharged by the blower into the substantially horizontally extending flow path of the indirect evaporative cooling stage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 7, wherein the indirect cooling stage comprises a heat exchange plate arrangement, and the directing means comprises turning vanes integral with said heat exchange plate arrangement.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 8, wherein the heat exchange plate arrangement and the turning vanes are plastic.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the turning vanes and at least a portion of the heat exchange plate assembly are together formed as a one-piece unit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the blower is a variable speed blower.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 11, wherein the blower gradually changes speeds.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising a common sump and pump shared by the direct and indirect cooling stages.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 13, wherein the sump has a drain valve.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 14, further comprising a controller for controlling the drain valve to regularly drain the sump.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 13, wherein the sump has at least one sloping side and is configured to fully drain.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising a supply duct including a channel for receiving a wall stud.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 17, wherein the channel separates a plurality of air outlets of the duct.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising a shared sump positioned beneath said indirect and direct cooling stages; a perforated baffle position approximate to said sump.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
76 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a shared sump positioned beneath said indirect and direct cooling stages; a drain valve connected to said sump; and a thermostatically activated controller connected to said drain valve.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
76 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a shared sump positioned beneath said indirect and direct cooling stages; a drain valve connected to said sump; and a thermostatically activated controller connected to said drain valve.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
79 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; and a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage and below at least one of the cooling stages, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
79 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; and a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage and below at least one of the cooling stages, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
103 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and means for separating the air discharged by the blower into first and second air flows, wherein one of the first and second air flows enters through the bottom of the indirect cooling stage.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
103 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and means for separating the air discharged by the blower into first and second air flows, wherein one of the first and second air flows enters through the bottom of the indirect cooling stage.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
86 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and a drip edge for keeping water from said indirect cooling stage out of the first flow.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
86 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and a drip edge for keeping water from said indirect cooling stage out of the first flow.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
121 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage comprising a heat exchange plate arrangement and having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and means for directing at least a portion of air discharged by the blower into the substantially horizontally extending flow path of the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the directing means comprises a plurality of turning vanes formed integrally with the heat exchange plate arrangement.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
121 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage comprising a heat exchange plate arrangement and having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and means for directing at least a portion of air discharged by the blower into the substantially horizontally extending flow path of the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the directing means comprises a plurality of turning vanes formed integrally with the heat exchange plate arrangement.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 24, wherein the heat exchange plate arrangement and the turning vanes are plastic.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the turning vanes and at least a portion of the heat exchange plate assembly are together formed as a one-piece unit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
72 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; and a variable speed blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
72 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; and a variable speed blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 27, wherein the blower gradually changes speeds.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
103 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and a sump and a pump shared by the direct and indirect cooling stages, wherein the sump has a drain value and has at least one sloping side and is configured to fully drain.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
103 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and a sump and a pump shared by the direct and indirect cooling stages, wherein the sump has a drain value and has at least one sloping side and is configured to fully drain.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
81 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and a supply duct including a channel for receiving a wall stud.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
81 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; and a supply duct including a channel for receiving a wall stud.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 30, wherein the channel separates a plurality of air outlets of the duct.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
89 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; a shared sump positioned beneath said indirect and direct cooling stages; and a perforated baffle positioned proximate to said sump.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
89 words
An indirect and direct evaporative cooler comprising: a direct evaporative cooling stage; an indirect evaporative cooling stage positioned upstream with respect to the direct evaporative cooling stage, the indirect evaporative cooling stage having a substantially horizontally extending primary flow passage and a substantially vertically extending secondary flow passage; a blower positioned upstream with respect to the indirect evaporative cooling stage, wherein the blower discharges air in a vertical direction; a shared sump positioned beneath said indirect and direct cooling stages; and a perforated baffle positioned proximate to said sump.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-03-10 | 2001-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-09-08 | 2005-03-10 | 2005-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-09-08 | 2009-03-10 | 2009-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |