Abstract: A flow control valve including a main valve and a pilot valve for controlling a piston of the main valve. The valve maybe controlled through a control system based o{circumflex over (?)}pn measured pressures or temperatures in a system supplied or controlled by the valve. The valve may be operated as a pressure independent control valve, using pressure measurement from a supply line and exit line or return line of a hydronic HVAC system as inputs to the control system, which is operable to maintain a constant pressure drop across the system, or the valve may be operated as a temperature independent control valve, using temperature measurements from a supply line and exit line or return line of a hydronic HVAC system as inputs to the control system which is operable to maintain a constant temperature drop across the system.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus uses R32 as a refrigerant, and includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, an evaporator, an intermediate injection channel and a suction injection channel. The intermediate injection channel guides a part of the refrigerant flowing from the condenser toward the evaporator to the compressor, causing the refrigerant to merge with intermediate-pressure refrigerant of the compressor. The suction injection channel guides a part of the refrigerant flowing from the condenser toward the evaporator to the suction passage, causing the refrigerant to merge with low-pressure refrigerant sucked into the compressor.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling electromagnetic drive pumps as, for example, electromagnetic driven membrane pumps are provided in which the control system is formed by at least one microprocessor and at least one sensor, whose microprocessor controls the power supply to at least one electromagnet whose changes in emitted magnetic field causes at least one moving part, directly or indirectly, to perform an oscillating pumping movement. The control system includes at least one positioning sensor which senses the moving part's position in the electromagnetic driven pump. By using the positioning sensor's measurements, the pump can be controlled with great accuracy.

Abstract: The electrically connectable tile module includes a porous substrate having a top side, a bottom side, and at least two side edges. At least one connector is integrated into the porous substrate allowing adjoining electrically connectable tile modules to be electrically connected to the porous substrate. At least one electrical element is disposed over the top side of the porous substrate and electrically connected to the at least one connector.

Abstract: A valve assembly for automatically and proportionally controlling the flow of coolant fluid between an engine and a radiator for cooling the fluid heated by the engine in response to changes in the fluid temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The valve assembly includes a housing having a fluid chamber extending between opposing first and second ends. A radiator port extends between the radiator and the first end of the chamber. A bypass port extends between the engine outlet and the chamber. An engine port extends between the engine inlet and the chamber. A main valve is slidably received within the chamber for movement in and out of engagement with the first end of the chamber for closing and opening fluid flow between the radiator and the chamber. A secondary valve is slidably received within the chamber for movement with the main valve in and out of engagement with the first end of the chamber for opening and closing fluid flow between the bypass port and the chamber.

Abstract: A thermostat comprises a valve and an electric valve actuator to move the valve against a valve seat. The thermostat comprises a wax motor responsive to temperature to move the valve away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A regulating valve for a heat-transferring medium has a valve member controllable primarily by an electrical actuating member, but in the event of failure of the electrical actuating member, a thermostatic actuating member, operating independently of the electrical actuating member and of electric power, is provided in order to prevent damage to the system by driving the valve member when a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for selecting a direct drive type electrically driven expansion valve (Z). The present invention includes a compressor (121), an external heat exchanger (123), a direct drive type electrically driven expansion valve (Z), and an internal heat exchanger (131). The rating torque equivalent friction factor E of the direct drive type electrically driven expansion valve (Z) is set to 0.31 or more.

Abstract: A housing has a chamber comprising fluid accesses, at least one of which can be plugged by a plug; a reversible motor equipped with a rotary shaft is connected to the plug by a coupling involving a screw-nut system to move it in translation towards plugging or uncovering the pluggable access according to the temperature of a stream of fluid travelling through the device; and a thermostatic element located in the same stream of fluid actuates the plug if the motor or its controls fail. In order to prevent the plug from then reverting to its initial position when the element retracts, the coupling is inelastic and the screw-nut system is reversible so that when the plug is actuated by the thermostatic element, the motor is made to rotate.

Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing valve to maintain the outlet water temperature at a preset level by using electronic sensors to actuate low voltage, pulse operated solenoid valves to regulate pressure in control passageways. The control passageway pressure differential across a drive diaphragm causes the diaphragm to move in response thereto to change the position of the main mixing valve. Minimum electrical energy is thus expended to regulate the temperature level.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling at least one variable output parameter in response to a variable predetermined input parameter in a process system, such as a digital thermostat. The apparatus provides adaptive control of the output variable by utilizing a controller means that includes an adaptive controller means, an identifier means and a tuner means. The identifier means defines a model having parameters which represent the operational characteristics of the process system, and the identifier means monitors the operation of the adaptive controller means and selectively changes the parameters of said model to improve the operation of the adaptive controller means. The tuner means receives the model parameters from the identifier means and calculating robust and reliable values of said predetermined gain factors and applying the same to the adaptive controller means for use thereby.

Abstract: A climate control system is provided including a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum upon actuation. Also included is a thermostat for generating the activation signal upon a current temperature within the associated room being out of a predetermined range. At least one vent assembly is provided including a plurality of vanes pivotally mounted within the frame and having an unbiased open orientation for allowing the flow of air into the associated room and a biased closed orientation for precluding the flow of air into the associated room and a pneumatic servo connected to each of the vanes and in communication with the vacuum pump. The servo is adapted to transfer the vanes of the vent assembly to the closed orientation thereof only upon the receipt of vacuum. Finally, a vacuum valve is connected between the vacuum pump and the servo of the vent assembly. Such vacuum valve is connected to the thermostat for supplying the same with a vacuum during the receipt of the activation signal.

Abstract: A DDC controller is disclosed which implements a control strategy that provides for near-optimal global set points, so that power consumption and therefore energy costs for operating a heating and/or cooling plant can be minimized. Tile controller can implement two chiller plant component models expressing chiller, chilled water pump, and air handler fan power as a function of chilled water supply/return differential temperature. The models are derived from a mathematical analysis using relations from fluid mechanics and heat transfer under the assumption of a steady-state load condition. The analysis applies to both constant speed and variable speed chillers, chilled water pumps, and air handler fans. Similar models are presented for a heating plant consisting of a hot water boiler, hot water pump, and air handler fan which relates power as a function of the hot water supply/return differential temperature.

Abstract: A servo device for regulating a refrigerant into a compressor comprises a low pressure regulator, a high pressure regulator, and a solenoid valve. The low pressure regulator is connected to an inlet of the compressor and the high pressure regulator is connected to an outlet of the compressor. The solenoid valve is communicating with the low pressure regulator and the high pressure regulator respectively. The low pressure regulator further comprises a cylindrical plunger and a spring. The plunger is located in the low pressure regulator and the spring is located at lower end of the plunger to bias against the plunger. The plunger is pushed to move upward intermittently by a refrigerant coming from the high pressure regulator via the solenoid valve so that the refrigerant entering the compressor is hindered by the plunger to correspond with a state of optimal cooling in an air conditioning system or in a mechanical refrigeration system.

Abstract: An electronic digital thermostat is disclosed which is capable of use in a pneumatically controlled temperature control system of the type which has a pneumatic supply line which extends to various components of the control system and wherein the control elements of the system are controlled by varying the control pressure that is communicated to such elements. The thermostat is capable of operating in a LAN system environment, and can be retrofitted into unit ventilators and the like as a substitute for a conventional pneumatic thermostat. The thermostat has a processing means that enables sophisticated control to be achieved.

Abstract: A controller for unit ventilators which include processing means having associated memory that enables control schemes to be used. The controller is modular and compact in its construction, is easily installed in existing unit ventilators and provides not only the controlled pneumatic pressure in the output lines for the controller, but also provides electrical control signals for controlling the operation of the fan. The controller is adapted to control unit ventilators having auxiliary radiation and is also adapted to control ASHRAE cycle 3 type installations.

Abstract: A controller having two cascaded PID control loops in the control of unit ventilators of the type which have a heating coil, a fan, and a damper for admitting outside air into a room in which the unit ventilator is located. The controller utilizes the sensed room temperature and a room temperature set point to generate a set point for the temperature of the air being discharged from the unit ventilator, and utilizes the discharge temperature set point and the sensed discharge temperature to control the damper position and the operation of the heating coils of the unit ventilator.

Abstract: A pneumatic direct digital control system comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a transducer for connecting the air inlet and the air outlet and controlling a flow of air therebetween; a power supply; a sensor; and a direct digital controller. The direct digital controller is operably connected to the power supply. Additionally, the controller is operably connected to and is controlling the transducer.

Abstract: A vehicle engine coolant system and method of making the same are provided, the system having a valve construction comprising a housing provided with an inlet interconnected to the block of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle and an outlet interconnected to the radiator of the engine and being separated from the inlet by a valve seat, a movable valve member carried by the housing for opening and closing the valve seat, and an electrically operated stepper motor carried by the housing and being operatively interconnected to the valve member for positioning the valve member relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A system for providing modulated air flow control in response to an on-off thermostat having an on-off thermostat, a self-returning, slow moving motor connected to the thermostat for moving in a first direction when the thermostat is on and moving in a second direction when the thermostat is off, a damper motor adapted to drive a damper, and a controller driven by the self-returning, slow moving motor and connected to the damper motor for modulating air flow in response to the on-off thermostat.

Abstract: A temperature compensation circuit is provided which can be used for span temperature compensation in an electropneumatic transducer system and which includes a constant current generator circuit coupled to a bridge of piezo resistances in a pressure transducer to supply a constant current through one piezo resistance of the bridge to common. The Electropneumatic Transducer System includes a zeroing circuit, a voltage chopping circuit, a linearity correction circuit, a low-current shut-off circuit, and a high-current shut-off circuit to provide hard turn-ons and hard turn offs of the system at the lower and upper ends of the pressure output range or span. The Electropneumatic Transducer System also includes a voltage railsplitting circuit arrangement to minimize the operating currents, and voltages. With these features, the Electropneumatic Transducer System is particularly adapted for use in hazzardous combustible atmospheres where Intrinsic Saftey and accuracy are required.

Abstract: A hot air modulating valve for mixing hot air with cold air flowing in a duct, the modulating valve having a torque motor operated pilot valve to position the modulator valve to maintain a predetermined temperature of the hot air-cold air mixture. The temperature of the mixture is sensed by a thermistor which in conjunction with a tri-mode (proportional plus integral plus derivative) electronic controller which provides an input current signal to the torque motor to position the modulator valve in proportion to the input current signal, produces zero steady state errors, and provides an anticipation effect to compensate for control system time lags. The controller has auxiliary inputs which when exceeding predetermined values switch the air mixture temperature at the thermistor to a lower setting. The modulating valve has a relatively low gain during the initial portion of its opening stroke to improve system dynamic stability and has a position feedback to the torque motor operated pilot valve.

Abstract: Solenoid motor means for operating a multiple blade damper device; said blades being pivotally mounted in a common housing; said housing being constructed to reside in an open ended duct boot that is part of the duct network for the distribution of the heating/cooling medium of a central heating/cooling device. Each of the multiple damper blades is attached to a rotatable means such as a timing pulley or gear; said rotatable means are rotated by a rack having engaging means such as gear teeth; said engaging means are interconnected through a carriage to a plunger common to dual solenoids; said carriage translates linearly with said plunger to provide aforesaid rotation to rotatable means to open or close damper blades in accordance with commands of a temperature control means.

Abstract: The desirable features of self powered air distribution terminals and electronic controls are combined by providing an interface between the electronic controls and one or more self powered terminal units in an air distribution system. The electronic controls monitor temperatures and other conditions and provide electric signals each having a voltage which represents the difference between the sensed condition and a set condition entered into the system microprocessor. The interface may be an electro-pneumatic transducer or a set of solenoid valves. The interface responds to the electric signals by applying proportional pressure signals to one or more terminal units. The flow of conditioned air into the area or areas served by the system is then adjusted to conform the actual conditions with the set conditions.

Abstract: A pressure valve for heating a pressure medium and maintaining its temperature constant, has a control slider provided with a throttle, a pilot valve influencing a position of the control slider and having a spring-loaded valve member and a valve seat, a thermosensor arranged to sense the pressure medium and to determine throttling of the latter, wherein the thermosensor controls an electromagnet acting upon the pilot valve, and the spring of the pilot valve in the opened position of the valve member is at least partially pretensioned, and upon actuation of the electromagnet and assuming by the valve member the closed position the spring is tensioned to a value corresponding an opening pressure.

Abstract: An improvement in facility management systems that allows an electronic control unit to be interfaced with a pneumatic cylinder unit. The digital pneumatic modulator of the improvement includes a solenoid valve controlled pneumatic input port, a solenoid valve controlled pneumatic exhaust port, and a flow controlled pneumatic exit port for connection with a pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of a heating or air conditioning system, especially for the passenger compartment of motor vehicles. The temperature in the compartment is maintained by an electronic controller which receives temperature-related signals from one or more temperature sensors. The electronic controller is connected to an air pump which may be operated as a source of pressure or vacuum and is coupled to a pneumatic actuator which moves a final control element, for example an air flow valve or a cooling water valve. The air pump supplies a continuous and reliable source of pressure or vacuum independently of the engine manifold vacuum. The air control conduit is coupled to a ventilating line which communicates with the atmosphere through a fixed or variable throttle.

Abstract: An electrical current input to a pneumatic signal output transducer construction wherein the signal is substantially proportional to the current and is generated by a pneumatic relay of the construction that is controlled by an electrical current receiving unit of the construction, the current receiving unit comprising a fixed electrical coil that is adapted to have the current flow therethrough and a movable armature disposed in the coil and being operatively interconnected to the relay to control the relay in relation to the position of the armature relative to the coil.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the air flow from a register of a forced air heating system. The apparatus includes walls forming a housing or cover that is adapted to be fastened to and enclose an air outlet register. The walls also form an outlet opening, and a pivotable flapper valve or wall is provided that is movable to close the opening. The valve is pivotable between an open position where the opening is not closed, and a closed position where the opening is obstructed, the valve being biased to the open position. The valve is located to be subjected to the force of air moving out of the register and through the housing, this force being such as to urge the valve to the closed position. The apparatus further includes a latch for holding the valve in the open position against the force of the moving air, and an electric control for disabling the latch in the presence of the flow of air. The electric control may be manually operated or it may be responsive to the ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: A novel fluid-flow control damper is disclosed. The damper comprises a freely pivotable closure situated in a fluid-flow conduit, such as an air duct. The closure is maintained in a closed position by a simple latching means, and may be maintained in an open condition by means of fluid flow through the conduit. Several of these dampers may be used in combination with a single fluid temperature control device, resulting in a simple, low-cost multizone heating or cooling system.

Abstract: The fan motor of a variable speed drive for a fan is positioned in response to thermostatic demand and a feedback signal responsive to the position of the variable speed drive. Changing thermostatic demand causes movement of the fan motor until an equilibrium position is reached again.

Abstract: An air conditioning system particularly mounted in a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle according to the present invention can be fixed in the maximum heating operation mode to produce a maximum effect of the defrosting function by only pushing a push-button switch engaged with a mode selector for maximizing the air blowing rate of a ventilating fan and also engaged with a three-way vacuum switch for opening a vacuum power servomechanism to the air to fix an air mix door in the maximum heating position.

Abstract: An emergency controller for an air conditioning system of an automotive vehicle which incorporates an electronic control circuit in the automatic temperature adjusting means to perform a proportional control over an air mixing door by the use of a vacuum power servo is operated to connect a vacuum source to the vacuum power servo or to cause the air to flow into the vacuum power servo so that the maximum cooling or heating operation can be achieved. Consequently, when a trouble occurs in the electronic control circuit during running in a high-temperature region or low-temperature region, the air conditioning system may immediately be fixed in the maximum cooling or heating operation without intervention of electric circuits.

Abstract: A control system for an automobile air conditioner including an air blend door for adjusting the output of the air conditioner, a vacuum actuator including a hermetic chamber and a control member, the control member being connected to control the air blend door proportionally to the pressure within the chamber, a vacuum modulator including a first valve for exhausting air from the chamber to a vacuum reservoir, a second valve for emitting air from atmosphere to the chamber and a restriction member arranged at the entrance side of the chamber, a control circuit for providing a first electrical driving signal for operating the first valve so as to open and a second electrical driving signal for operating the second valve so as to open proportionally to the difference between a selected temperature within the automobile and the actual temperature within the automobile, an integrating circuit for providing integrated outputs of the first electrical driving signal and the second electrical driving signal with a ti

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an automobile air conditioner wherein a deviation between the actual in-car temperature and a desired in-car temperature is periodically calculated to detect such various thermal disturbances as changes of the solar heat, the temperature of outside air, the number of passengers and the like, and wherein a compensation value of the opening angle of the air-blend door is determined in accordance with the periodical variation of the deviation to ensure stable control of the in-car temperature.

Abstract: A temperature control system for maintaining a selected location at a preselected temperature comprises a supply of heat transfer fluid, a first control for controlling the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, a heat exchanger for receiving the heat transfer fluid and establishing a heat exchange relationship between the heat transfer fluid and the material at the selected location, a second control for controlling the supply of heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger, and a thermostat. The thermostat is a differential thermostat having a first sensor to sense the temperature at the selected location and a second sensor to sense the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, and is connected to the second control and is operative to actuate the second control to maintain the difference between the temperatures sensed by the first and second sensors at a selected value. Therefore, adjustment of the first control cause the preselected temperature to be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: An electro-vacuum relay 10 is disclosed comprising a thermally responsive actuator 18 mounted on the lower end of a housing 14, 16 which defines a vent chamber 66. Upper and lower fluid ports 38, 40 are integrally molded into the housing and communicate with vent chamber 66. A pair of electrical terminals 22 and 24 include tab portions 30, 32 which extend through housing cover 16 and into the vent chamber. A carrier member 68 is movable in the vent chamber and has reacting against its upper end a compression biasing spring 88 and against its lower end an output member 64 of thermal actuator 18. A rectangularly shaped elastomeric valve member 72 is mounted in an opening 74 in the carrier and has an upwardly extending double beaded sealing surface 76 around its periphery that engages with a valve surface formed by an inner wall portion 42 of main housing 14.

Abstract: A plurality of movable dampers (23), (26), (31) are provided in an air flow duct (12) to control the temperature and air flow therethrough. A heater core (19) and/or air conditioner evaporator (18) are disposed in the duct (12). The dampers (23), (26), (31) are positioned by vacuum actuators (28), (29), (33) in accordance with applied vacuum. Sensors (47), (48), (49) sense the temperature in the duct (12), an automobile passenger compartment into which the duct (12) leads and the like. A control means unit (44) modulates vacuum from a source (34) in accordance with sensed temperature so as to maintain the temperature at a desired value. In case of failure of the automatic control unit (44), a manual valve unit (51), (53), (56) may be operated to connect the actuators (28), (29), (31) either to the vacuum source (34) or to the atmosphere so as to position the dampers (23), (26), (31) minimum or maximum temperature operation respectively.

Abstract: Heating, ventilating and air conditioning control systems commonly use pneumatic actuators. A digital logic control has first and second output ports applied to control the actuator through dual channels, including an air supply channel and an air exhaust channel. Various sensed and related input signals are processed by the logic device and generate control signals at the control signal ports. Each channel includes an electrically controlled switch unit having an electrical operator and a pneumatic switch for controlling the flow to and from the pneumatic actuator. The switch may take the form of an electromagnetically actuated flow valve opening and closing a flow path from a supply or exhaust to the pneumatic actuator or, in the case of the supply channel, the form of a small electrically operated pump unit. The actuation of the actuator is controlled either on a time or frequency basis to set the actuator in the proper position.

Abstract: A system for controlling the starting time of a thermal conditioning system for air in an enclosed space includes a pneumatic temperature transmitter, a pressure chamber, bleed device, and a valve for selectively providing communications either between the temperature transmitter and the pressure chamber (first position) or the pressure chamber and bleed device (second position). When a timing device is turned off at a predetermined time the valve is actuated into the first position. The pressure in the pressure chamber then rises and actuates a switch to shut off the thermal conditioning system. The pneumatic temperature transmitter then senses a temperature which is indicative of the amount of thermal conditioning necessary to bring the temperature of the air in the enclosed space to a desired level by a predetermined time and generates in response thereto an air pressure signal.

Abstract: An air conditioning device for an automobile vehicle includes the provision for automatic proportional control of the air conditioning function and also a priority function such as vehicle windscreen demisting or defrosting. Economy of pneumatic power is achieved by providing, with a double threshold control system, a signal for operating pneumatic flow distributors in the driving fluid lines to pneumatic jacks driving the control elements of the air conditioning device by means of an electrical signal which is capable of being either continuous or discontinuous in which latter state the flow distributor to which the discontinuous signal is applied is caused to oscillate to achieve an intermediate pneumatic pressure between pressure values corresponding to fully open and fully closed positions of the air conditioning control elements to be manipulated.

Abstract: An automatic control system for regulating the temperature of the passenger compartment in automotive vehicles is disclosed of the type in which a vacuum operated actuator is utilized to control the position of a blend air door, the position of the blend air door in turn controlling the temperature of the air circulated into the passenger compartment by proportioning the flow of cooled air circulated through a heater prior to entering the passenger compartment. This air flow is utilized to correct the temperature level in the passenger compartment. The disclosed control system features a nulling pressure signal feedback loop in which the error signal developed by the difference in the temperature selector and sensor signals acts on a vacuum modulator to generate an actuator pressure level which is sensed and a corresponding electrical signal used to null the temperature error signal, to provide a stabilizing feedback loop in the control system.

Abstract: A control system for proportionally operating an actuator is disclosed having a condition responsive device comprising an element movable in response to a sensed condition and a sensing device for sensing the movement of the element, the actuating means being connected to the sensing device for movement in response to the movement of the sensing element and a feedback mechanism responsive to the movement of the motor for repositioning the sensing device and the sensing element relative to one another for providing proportional control.

Abstract: A thermostatically operated dual action control mechanism for controlling fluid actuatable devices such as the shutter and the fan clutch in the cooling system of a diesel engine in vehicles. A valve rod is provided and movable between first and second positions. A hollow passageway is provided in the valve rod, and in one position of the valve rod is open to allow fluid to flow through to one of two exhaust ports in the valve housing to actuate one of the devices. In the other position, the passageway is closed off by a reciprocating needle valve. A thermally responsive sensor element actuates the valve rod between the first and second positions thereof. A limit switch is provided and actuated by the needle valve in the second position of the valve rod and opens up a solenoid valve to allow fluid to flow to the other device.

Abstract: A control valve for controlling refrigerant circulation in a vehicle air conditioning system has an inlet port and an outlet port for connection to the evaporator and the compressor inlet respectively of the system, and a valve controlling communication between these two ports. First control means in the valve body control the valve in dependence upon one or more external controls including manual controls and second control means control the operation of the valve in dependence upon the thermodynamic conditions, such as the temperature, of the refrigerant fluid.

Abstract: A temperature compensation circuit is provided which can be used for span temperature compensation in an electropneumatic transducer system and which includes a constant current generator circuit coupled to a bridge of piezo resistances in a pressure transducer to supply a constant current through one piezo resistance of the bridge to common. The Electropneumatic Transducer System includes a zeroing circuit, a voltage chopping circuit, a linearity correction circuit, a low-current shut-off circuit, and a high-current shut-off circuit to provide hard turn-ons and hard turn offs of the system at the lower and upper ends of the pressure output range or span. The Electropneumatic Transducer System also includes a voltage railsplitting circuit arrangement to minimize the operating currents and voltages. With these features, the Electropneumatic Transducer System is particularly adapted for use in hazzardous combustible atmospheres where Intrinsic Saftey and accuracy are required.