Abstract: Cooling or refrigeration systems, and methods of operating same, are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a system includes a first and second high stage circuits each including a respective heat exchanger and a respective condenser that are coupled together at least indirectly so as to allow a respective portion of a first coolant to cycle therebetween. The system also includes a low stage circuit including a heat transfer device that is coupled at least indirectly with each of the heat exchangers, so as to allow an additional portion of a second coolant to cycle between the at least one evaporator and the heat exchangers, and in a parallel manner such that, if a first one of the high stage circuits ceases operating at a desired level, then the system can continue to operate by way of a second one of the high stage circuits.

Abstract: Cooling or refrigeration systems, and methods of operating same, are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a system includes a first and second high stage circuits each including a respective heat exchanger and a respective condenser that are coupled together at least indirectly so as to allow a respective portion of a first coolant to cycle therebetween. The system also includes a low stage circuit including a heat transfer device that is coupled at least indirectly with each of the heat exchangers, so as to allow an additional portion of a second coolant to cycle between the at least one evaporator and the heat exchangers, and in a parallel manner such that, if a first one of the high stage circuits ceases operating at a desired level, then the system can continue to operate by way of a second one of the high stage circuits.

Abstract: A fluid control valve has a valve guard and a valve seat, and the guard has a circular recess formed in a front surface thereof in which to nest the valve seat. In one embodiment, a pair of valve guards are integrally joined together by a plurality of webs which bridge therebetween via the rear surfaces of the guards.

Abstract: In a rotary gas compressor which has a compression housing, in which the gas compressing elements are operatively confined, a shaft and bearing housing is provided. The latter housing is removably coupled to an end of the compression housing, and supports therein the rotary shaft and the bearings therefor. The bearings are located in a portion of the shaft and bearing housing which is outboard or external of the compression housing. A coolant chamber is set abut the shaft and bearing housing whereat the bearings are located. The latter housing further has apertures formed therein to visually expose the shaft, as well as for discharging therethrough any leaking lubricant.

Abstract: The Assembly comprises a piston body having a longitudinal axis to which are added, in interlayered fashion, separate, piston-ring lands and spacers. In one embodiment, a pair of rider rings are coupled to the piston body, in spaced apart locations, to guide the piston assembly in reciprocation, and to space the piston-ring lands away from the surface of an enclosing cylinder. The lands have a diameter which is slightly less than that of the rider rings. The lands are formed of ceramic to offer, thereby, a substantially wear-resistant surface to the piston rings which are set between pairs of the lands, and about the spacers. The body is centrally bored and tapped, and the lands and spacers are centrally apertured; a headed bolt has the shank thereof in penetration of the lands, spacers and rider rings, and threadedly engaged with the tapped bore, to secure the assembly together.

Abstract: The seal, for use especially in non-lubricated, high-pressure, as compressors, in a one-piece, continuous sleeve which envelopes a reciprocable piston for sealing against the piston, or against the cylinder in which the piston translates. One end of the sleeve effects the sealing engagement, and the other end is spring-loaded to maintain the engagement. During operation of the compressor, or the like, it is the high-pressure gas which urges the seal into sealing engagement.

Abstract: A pair of beveled-face load rings between which is confined a seal ring sub assembly formed of segmented, polytetrafluoroethylene seals. The seals too have beveled faces which slidably engage the beveled faces of the load rings and, thereby, are prevented from manifesting undue wear and extrusion. Three seal segments of the seal ring assembly form an inner seal which is slidably supported on a land formed on a three-segment outer seal of the seal ring assembly. A circumferential spring urges the segments of the inner and outer seals inwardly into sealing engagement with a to-be-sealed shaft or the like. Locating pins fixed in, and extending from, the outer seal nestably engage the inner seal segments and restrain the latter against unwarranted circumferential displacement.

Abstract: The seal, for use especially in non-lubricated, high-pressure, as compressors, in a one-piece, continuous sleeve which envelopes a reciprocable piston for sealing against the piston, or against the cylinder in which the piston translates. One end of the sleeve effects the sealing engagement, and the other end is spring-loaded to maintain the engagement. During operation of the compressor, or the like, it is the high-pressure gas which urges the seal into sealing engagement.