Abstract: A sonic nozzle is disclosed that is positioned between an evaporator and compressor in an air conditioning system. The sonic nozzle limits refrigerant flow rate to that allowed by sonic velocity at a throat area of the sonic nozzle. The sonic nozzle may have a by-pass flow area that allows for less pressure drop at lower flow rates where the by-pass flow area is sealed off at a predetermined pressure drop to force all flow through the sonic nozzle. Another embodiment that is disclosed features a thermally actuated suction throttling valve that is attached to a sonic nozzle. A power element of the throttling valve contains thermally active fluid, such as water, when frozen activates a piston member into the throat portion of the sonic nozzle to restrict fluid flow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual evaporator air conditioning system that limits refrigerant recirculation. This system includes an accumulator, a compressor, a condenser, front and rear evaporators, and an eductor assembly. Alternative accumulators are also disclosed for use with dual and single evaporator systems.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow metering device for use in a refrigeration system which uses a movable piston with a fixed flow passage in series with a variable area flow passage. The variable flow area is defined by the position of the piston relative to the containing housing. The position of the movable piston is a function of refrigerant pressure differential across the piston and the force of a spring member acting in an opposite direction on the piston. The variable flow area is defined as the clearance between a tapered fixed housing and the tapered portion of the movable piston. The piston is sealed via an “O” ring seal causing fluid to flow first through a fixed bore and then through the variable flow area.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow metering device for use in a refrigeration system which uses a movable piston with a fixed flow passage in series with a variable area flow passage. The variable flow area is defined by the position of the piston relative to the valve body. The position of the movable piston is a function of refrigerant pressure differential across the piston and the force of a spring member acting in an opposite direction on the piston. In one embodiment, the variable flow area is defined as the clearance between a tapered fixed housing and a tapered portion of the movable piston. In an alternative embodiment, the metering device includes a two-piece piston having a re-open feature that increases the inlet orifice diameter of the piston.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow metering device for use in a refrigeration system which uses a movable piston with a fixed flow passage in series with a variable area flow passage. The variable flow area is defined by the position of the piston relative to the containing housing. The position of the movable piston is a function of refrigerant pressure differential across the piston and the force of a spring member acting in an opposite direction on the piston. The variable flow area is defined as the clearance between a tapered fixed housing and the tapered portion of the movable piston. The piston is sealed via an “O” ring seal causing fluid to flow first through a fixed bore and then through the variable flow area.

Abstract: A valve assembly is shown having a valving member situated generally in the path of flow of a fluid which varies in pressure and urges the valving member in generally the same direction as the flow of the fluid; a spring is shown resiliently resisting the movement of the valving member by the flow of fluid; as the valving member is urged in the direction of the flow of the fluid the valving member reduces the effective flow area of the valve assembly through which area the fluid is to flow; the valve assembly features low hysteresis, resistance to plugging by debris in system, is flow sensitive activating at higher pressure differential as flow is increased and it may incorporate a fail safe feature reopening in case of spring failure; flow noise attenuation is also a feature.

Abstract: An evaporator of the plate-fin construction has attached a formed housing which together with the evaporator end plate comprises a suction accumulator. A liquid conduit passes through the accumulator and induces fluid from the accumulator into the evaporator via a venturi located in the conduit. A tube inserted into one tank of the evaporator is in direct connection to the accumulator and increases storage capacity of the accumulator. A field removable filter-drier assembly is installed in the exit tank or compartment of the evaporator. A baffle is located in the accumulator section and separates liquid from gas and allows mostly gas with entrained oil to flow to the compressor. A secondary flow path which opens under low charge conditions aids in oil return to the compressor.

Abstract: The air conditioning system contains a refrigerant and comprises a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, a condenser having an inlet and an outlet, an evaporator having an inlet and an outlet and a suction conduit connecting the outlet of the evaporator to the inlet of the compressor where the refrigerant returns to the compressor as a low pressure vapor. A discharge conduit is provided which connects the outlet of the compressor to the condenser where upon removal of heat of the vapor, the gas becomes a high pressure liquid refrigerant. A liquid conduit having an injector and restrictor connects the outlet of the condenser to the inlet of the evaporator. An accumulator having an inlet port and an outlet port is interposed in the suction conduit. A liquid discharge port is also provided in the accumulator. A recirculating conduit connects the discharge port to the liquid conduit.

Abstract: An air treating apparatus such as a humidifier, evaporator cooler, cooling tower or other such equipment comprising a housing provided with evaporator means and water distribution means mounted in the housing above the evaporator means to provide a substantially uniformly distributed flow of water thereto. The water distribution means includes a tray provided with an upstanding or elevated target element located between a plurality of upstanding vertical wall elements forming channels leading to apertures positioned to distribute water uniformly to the evaporator means. Water directed to the apparatus impinges with a certain velocity head on the elevated top surface of the target element from where the water while still in motion impinges upon the top edges of the internal wall elements which divide and direct the water into the channels and from where the water is distributed to the evaporator means through the apertures.