Abstract: A gas defrosting method is disclosed which provides a distinct two-step process for defrosting a frosted evaporator. In deliberate fashion, the method assures that only refrigerant vapor returns to the compressor and thereby protects the compressor from damage due to receiving liquid refrigerant. The method optimizes the heat transfer process by maintaining full refrigerant flow through the condenser and by controlling the vapor in a nearly saturated state, high density state. In addition, the method strives to minimize the compressor power expended during the defrosting process.

Abstract: A device is added to a refrigeration system to protect the compressor from liquid slugging. The device traps liquid slugs in the suction pipe and then injects the trapped slugs into the discharge pipe. Any refrigerant within the injected slug is quickly vaporized and travels with the discharge gas to again accomplish useful cooling. Any oil within the injected slug travels with the discharge gas to the oil separator, where it is extracted from the discharge gas and then properly returned to the compressor to again provide lubrication.

Abstract: A modular refrigerated structure 10 includes a modular perimeter 12 which defines a refrigerated space 30, a plurality of display openings 24 about the perimeter 12 and at least one personnel access opening 32 for personnel ingress and egress to the refrigerated space 30. Shelves 40 are positioned at each display opening 24 for displaying products. A plurality of roof modules 56 are supported over the perimeter 12 and include a refrigeration module 67, an air passage 60 positioned above a centrally located storage area 38, an air distribution plenum 68 and air outlets 80 positioned adjacent the perimeter 12.

Abstract: A door operator for a slide door that is slidingly supported relative to a door opening in a side panel of a vehicle body is disclosed. The door is supported adjacent its forward end on at least one forward guide member and is supported adjacent its rear end on a rear guide member. The guide members guide the door through (i) an initial closing movement generally parallel to the side panel, (ii) a final closing movement generally parallel to the side panel, (iii) at least a portion of its final closing movement generally toward the plane of the door opening, and (iv) at least a portion of its initial opening movement generally away from the plane of the door opening. The door operator comprises means including a cable member coupled to the rear end of the door for driving the door along the guide members to thereby move the door through its initial and final opening and closing movements.

Abstract: A door operator for a slide door that is slidingly supported relative to a door opening in a side panel of a vehicle body is disclosed. The door is supported adjacent its forward end on at least one forward guide member and is supported adjacent its rear end on a rear guide member. The guide members guide the door through (i) an initial closing movement generally parallel to the side panel, (ii) a final closing movement generally parallel to the side panel, (iii) at least a portion of its final closing movement generally toward the plane of the door opening, and (iv) at least a portion of its initial opening movement generally away from the plane of the door opening. The door operator comprises means including a first cable member coupled to the rear end of the door and a second cable member coupled to the forward end of the door for driving the door along the guide members to thereby move the door through its initial and final opening and closing movements.

Abstract: A final closing device for a closure member on a vehicle is disclosed. The closure member, which may be swingably, slidably or otherwise mounted for movement between open and closed positions on a vehicle body member, includes a latch bolt movable between latched and unlatched positions. The final closing device includes a striker support plate mounted on the body member for rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to such plate, a striker carried by the striker support plate and projecting therefrom at a position eccentrically offset from the axis, means carried by the body member and connected to the striker support plate for rotating the striker support plate, and means coupled to the rotating means and constructed and arranged to preclude reverse rotation of the striker plate for preventing unintended opening of the closure member when high opening forces are applied thereto.

Abstract: In a worm wheel for a roller worm drive, each roller is movable along its axis relative to the body of the wheel, and biased towards an extended position by a spring. The springs are mounted in the space between inboard and outboard bearings associated with each roller, so as to conserve room within the roller wheel and hence permit use of large, robust, anti-friction bearings. In particularly preferred arrangements, the outboard anti-friction bearing can be used to limit outboard movement of each roller relative to the wheel body, and may also serve to transmit inboard-directed thrusts from the roller to the body via the biasing spring. The overall arrangement provides enhanced load carrying capacity and compactness in roller worm drives.

Abstract: A tape-type mechanical drive including a flexible but substantially inextensible tape connected between two elements so that the tape transmits forces in tension. The tape includes a plurality of plies, disposed in two runs, and an equalizing device is provided for maintaining the plies under equal tension as the curvature of the tape changes. The plies in each run remain substantially parallel to one another. The tape may be formed from a single continuous strap folded to define a plurality of spiral turns.

Abstract: A final closing device for a closure member on a vehicle is disclosed. The closure member, which may be swingably, slidably or otherwise mounted for movement between open and closed positions on a vehicle body member, includes a latch bolt movable between latched and unlatched positions and a handle or a lock member movable between open and closed positions. The final closing device includes a striker support plate mounted on the body member for rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to such plate, a striker carried by the striker support plate and projecting therefrom at position eccentrically offset from the axis, and means carried by the body member and connected to the striker support plate for rotating the striker support plate.