Transferring Heat Between Diverse Function Portions Of Refrigeration Cycle Patents (Class 62/113)
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Patent number: 6401485Abstract: A refrigerant system includes two compressors that are independently activated to meet a variable cooling demand of a comfort zone or a process. For high cooling demands, both compressors are operated. However, for lower cooling demands, one compressor is de-activated, while the other continues running. To help prevent refrigerant from condensing in the vicinity of the relatively cool inactive compressor, heat from the discharge line of the running compressor heats the suction or discharge line of the inactive compressor. To transfer heat from one line to the other, the two lines are simply held against each other in a parallel, side-by-side relationship.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Edward D. Hildreth, Jr.
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Publication number: 20010003311Abstract: Refrigerant fluid such as CO2, compressed to the supercritical pressure by a compressor, is delivered selectively through a three-way valve, either into a branch of the circuit containing a cooler, an expansion device and an evaporator for cooling the cabin of a vehicle, or into a branch containing another expansion device and a heat exchanger for the purpose of heating the cabin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 1999Publication date: June 14, 2001Applicant: Vale ClimatisationInventor: STEFAN KARL
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Patent number: 6237351Abstract: When a heating mode is set in a refrigerant cycle system, air is heated in a condenser by condensing high-pressure gas refrigerant, a part of high-pressure refrigerant from the condenser is decompressed in a pressure reducing unit to a middle pressure, and the other part of high-pressure refrigerant from the condenser is heat-exchanged with the middle-pressure refrigerant having passed through the pressure reducing unit in a refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger. Therefore, middle-pressure refrigerant having passed through the pressure reducing unit is evaporated in the refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger and the evaporated middle-pressure refrigerant is introduced into a gas injection port of a compressor. Thus, in the refrigerant cycle system, heating capacity can be improved due to the gas refrigerant injection into the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Satoshi Itoh, Kunio Iritani
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Patent number: 6233969Abstract: In a decompression device-integrated heat exchanger, a pressure-reducing unit for reducing high-pressure refrigerant of a refrigerant cycle, and an inner heat-exchanging unit for performing heat-exchange between high-pressure refrigerant before being decompressed in the pressure-reducing unit and low-pressure refrigerant after being decompressed in the pressure reducing unit are integrated to each other. The inner heat-exchanging unit has a high-pressure tube through which high-pressure refrigerant flows, and a low-pressure tube through which low-pressure refrigerant flows. Both the tubes are wound around a case of the pressure-reducing unit, and are brazed to the case on contacting portions therebetween. Further, in each tube, wall thickness of the contacting portion is made thinner than that of the other portion. Thus, the decompression device-integrated heat exchanger has a reduced weight, while having a simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Yamauchi, Ken Yamamoto, Minoru Ohta
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Patent number: 6170286Abstract: Oil is returned from the evaporator to the oil sump in a refrigeration chiller by directing the lubricant-liquid refrigerant mixture found in the chiller evaporator into heat exchange contact with relatively hotter system lubricant as such lubricant flows from the oil sump to the location of its use in the chiller's compressor. The oil flowing from the sump to the compressor rejects sufficient heat to the lubricant-liquid refrigerant mixture to induce the percolation thereof, such percolation being sufficiently energetic to cause slugs of the lubricant-liquid refrigerant mixture to be delivered from the location of heat exchange into the chiller's lubricant sump thereby effecting the return of oil from the evaporator for re-use in the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Edward F. Keuper
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Patent number: 6167712Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerator having a direction control valve drives a refrigerating fan for a predetermined time when a refrigerant passage is converted to make a refrigerant from a condenser firstly pass a refrigerating evaporator, and enhances a cooling efficiency by applying a residual cool air of the refrigerating evaporator to a refrigerating compartment, after the refrigerating compartment reaches a steady state in a refrigerator having a refrigerating evaporator embodied as an intercooler evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Hoon Lim, Jae-Eok Shim, Han-Joo Yoo, Yoon-Young Kim, Jang-Hee Lee, Yo-Hyun Song, Chi-Seong Oh, Kyong-Jun Baek, Joong-Yeob Kim, Young-Rak Kim
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Patent number: 6119467Abstract: An installation is described for continuous production of whipped ice from a below-zero crystallization temperature solution, including methods for delivering solution and gas through the evaporator; a closed refrigeration circuit for the realization of cooling and three-dimensional (volume) crystallization of ice within the gas-solution flowing through the evaporator. These processes cause the formation within the evaporator unit(s) of a partly frozen foam with ice nuclei and gas bubbles occupying a space and a continuous phase consisting of concentrated, unfrozen liquor; preparation means is described for transportation and further storage or use of whipped ice. A method for continuous production of whipped ice is also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Brontec U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Zusman, Yuri Kayem, Boris Menin
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Patent number: 6116040Abstract: Apparatus for cooling the power electronics components of a variable frequency drive for the motor of a refrigerant system compressor. The components are mounted upon a heat sink and refrigerant from the system condenser is passed through the heat sink by means of a flow line and returned to the low pressure side of the system. A control valve is mounted in the flow line which throttles refrigerant passing through the line to produce cooling of the heat sink to maintain the temperature of the components within a desired range.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Michael A. Stark
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Patent number: 6105386Abstract: The supercritical refrigerating apparatus has refrigerant bypass means for bypassing a heat exchanger according to a physical value of the refrigerant. Therefore, the temperature of refrigerant on a suction side of the compressor becomes lower than that of refrigerant sucked into the compressor via the heat exchanger. As a result, the refrigerant temperature in a refrigerant passage extending from a suction side to a discharge side of the compressor is decreased, thereby preventing breakage of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yasutaka Kuroda, Shin Nishida
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Patent number: 6021645Abstract: There is provided a freezing and cooling system as well as a condensing heat exchanger device capable of reducing in size of a condensing heat exchanger device, promoting a cost reduction of the device in a freezing and cooling system as well as energy saving and promoting to keep a global environment, wherein a freezing cycle is formed such that condensing gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure discharged from a compressor 1 is divided to flow, the over-half amount of condensing gaseous refrigerant is sent into an inner box 6 of a condenser 5 comprised of a double-box type heat exchanger of the inner box 6 and an outer box 7 enclosing the inner box 6, a residual amount of condensing gaseous refrigerant is sent to a capillary coil 8 acting as to increase flowing speed of refrigerant flowing in it, liquid refrigerant of low temperature and low pressure attained through condensing, reducing pressure and expanding at the capillary coil 8 is sent to the outer box 7 of the condenser 5 so as to pType: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Green Cross Japna FoundationInventor: Takao Hara
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Patent number: 5960642Abstract: A refrigerating cycle system for a refrigerator has a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber. The refrigerating cycle system includes a compressor, a condenser, first and second expansion devices, a first evaporator for cooling the freezing chamber by evaporating the refrigerant that is reduced in pressure by the first and second expansion devices, and a second evaporator for cooling the refrigerating chamber. A fluid passage is provided for directly conducting the refrigerant from the condenser to the first evaporator. Another fluid passage is provided for directing the refrigerant from the condenser to the first evaporator via the second evaporator. A direction control valve is disposed between those two fluid passages to selectively direct the refrigerant to one of those fluid passages as a function of a sensed temperature of the refrigerating chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kwang-Il Kim, Byung-Moo Lee, Eui-Joon Kim
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Patent number: 5867993Abstract: A refrigerant reservoir (23') and heat exchanger unit (25) for a refrigerated counter (11) and method of reducing compressor load and lowering energy consumption of the refrigerated counter system is described. The refrigerant reservoir (23') and heat exchanger unit (25) comprises a reservoir having a heat exchanger section provided with a cooling coil (26) to cool liquid refrigerant from a condenser (14) as it enters into the reservoir (23'). The reservoir is secured in a cooled area of a refrigerated counter (11). The outlet (31) of the reservoir feeds an expansion valve (29) where the pressure of the liquid refrigerant is lowered to further cool the liquid refrigerant. The expansion valve (29) has an outlet (28) which is connected to the inlet (17) of the cooling coil (26) whereby the cool refrigerant liquid in a feedback path, cools refrigerant entering the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: Serge Dube
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Patent number: 5687578Abstract: A heat pump apparatus includes a liquid refrigerant flow control valve connected in fluid communication between a condenser and evaporator. The liquid flow control valve includes a refrigerant outlet tube connected in fluid communication with an expansion orifice and extends in thermal contact with an upper portion of the valve housing for controlling condensing of vapor refrigerant within the housing to thereby stabilize refrigerant flow. A float, movably positioned within the housing, cooperates with the expansion orifice for controlling a flow of refrigerant passing from the housing to the evaporator based upon a level of liquid refrigerant within the housing. When a large amount of vapor refrigerant arrives at the liquid flow control valve as a result of a control oscillation or system disturbance, the float moves downwardly, thereby reducing flow through the expansion orifice, cooling the outlet tube and causing vapor to condense more quickly in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1995Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: ECR Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Cochran
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Patent number: 5632161Abstract: A laminate-type evaporator is disclosed which is formed of a main heat exchanger, an auxiliary heat exchanger, and a connecting member integrally brazed, such that brazing performance between the auxiliary heat exchanger and the connecting member is enhanced and moisture does not remain between the auxiliary heat exchanger and the connecting member, while setting brazing temperature to a temperature which does not melt the main heat exchanger and also while shortening brazing time. Convexities are formed on a block joint, and a width of a brazed portion connecting these convexities and an end plate is made to be 5 mm or less. Additionally, a dimension of a clearance between the end plate and block joint is made to be 0.5 mm or more.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Shimoya, Toshiya Nagasawa, Keiichi Yoshii, Ryouichi Sanada
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Patent number: 5622055Abstract: A refrigeration system having a vapor compression cycle utilizing a liquid over-feeding operation with an integrated accumulator-expander-heat exchanger. Hot, high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser passes through one or more lengths of capillary tubing substantially immersed in a pool liquid refrigerant in the accumulator-expander-heat exchanger for simultaneously sub-cooling and expanding the liquid refrigerant while vaporizing liquid refrigerant from the pool for the return thereof to the compressor as saturated vapor. The sub-cooling of the expanded liquid provides for the flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator for liquid over-feeding the evaporator and thereby increasing the efficiency of the evaporation cycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Viung C. Mei, Fang C. Chen
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Patent number: 5568736Abstract: The invention comprises a non-restrictive, constant pressure refrigerant recycling and cooling unit that interrupts the normal refrigerant cycle to permit a lower temperature liquid to enter the expansion device, and thus provide a lower temperature, and therefore a lower pressure gas for delivery to the inlet side of the compressor, which acts to reduce the energy requirement and cost to operate the compressor. This reduction in pressure and temperature also results in lower operating costs and lower maintenance costs and utilizes less refrigerant quantity requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1994Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: Apollo Environmental Systems Corp.Inventor: Jerry W. Nivens
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Patent number: 5477691Abstract: A liquid cryogen delivery system for providing liquid cryogen to a use point, such as a freezer, at a constant temperature employing a subcooler for use disposed between the cryogen source and use point wherein expanding fluid flows countercurrently and annularly to the cryogen in a controlled manner responsive to pressure differences between the liquid and a reference pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: Norman H. White
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Patent number: 5457966Abstract: The invention comprises a non-restrictive, constant pressure refrigerant recycling and cooling unit that interrupts the normal refrigerant cycle to permit a lower temperature liquid to enter the expansion device, and thus provide a lower temperature, and therefore a lower pressure gas for delivery to the inlet side of the compressor, which acts to reduce the energy requirement and cost to operate the compressor. This reduction in pressure and temperature also results in lower operating costs and lower maintenance costs and utilizes less refrigerant quantity requirements.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1993Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: 1069380 Ontario, Inc.Inventor: Jerry W. Nivens
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Patent number: 5454228Abstract: A liquid refrigeration system for providing cooling operations, including an evaporator with its refrigerant outlet connected to a vapor/liquid separator so that refrigerant in the refrigerant conduits in the evaporator may undergo heat exchange in the form of a mixture of vapor and liquid. The compressor of the system outputs high pressure refrigerant vapor which passes through a specially designed condenser before being conveyed to a thermostatic expansion valve at the front end of the inlet of the evaporator. Low-pressure oil-rich liquid refrigerant separated by the vapor/liquid separator first passes through the condenser to become superheated vapor and it is then sent to the suction line of the compressor together with the saturated refrigerant vapor from the vapor/liquid separator. The expansion valve meters the flow rate of system refrigerant and has a temperature sensor which detects the superheat of the low pressure refrigerant vapor leaving the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chung-Yuan Yang, Chin-Hung Lo, Yu-Kun Hung, Mao-Yung Weng, Yie-Zu Hu
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Patent number: 5406805Abstract: A refrigeration system for providing cooling to two or more compartments utilizing respective first and second evaporators. During the initial operation of a cooling cycle, the refrigerant is utilized for cooling the compartment (such as a fresh food compartment) which is to be maintained at a higher temperature as compared with another compartment (such as a freezer compartment). Cooling can thus be achieved by operating a fan in the fresh food compartment, even where the refrigeration system has not yet reached steady state after the compressor initially begins operating. After cooling has been achieved in the fresh food compartment, the refrigerant in the system has reached a state suitable for cooling of the freezer compartment, and the fan for the freezer evaporator is turned on while the fan for the fresh food compartment is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignees: University of Maryland, The United States Environmental Production AgencyInventors: K. Reinhard H. Radermacher, Kwangil Kim, William L. Kopko, Jurgen Pannock
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Patent number: 5400609Abstract: A refrigeration system of the type having an economizer cycle is provided with a null cycle, in addition to heating and cooling cycles, without shutting a compressor prime mover down, to preserve air flow in a conditioned space. First, second and third controllable valves respectively: (1) select main and auxiliary condensers, (2) open and close a liquid line, and (3) open and close a line which provides a warm liquid to an economizer heat exchanger. The valves are controlled in at least one predetermined open/close pattern during a null cycle, and preferably in a plurality of selectable predetermined open/close patterns, to provide a null cycle at any instant which substantially matches the net heat gain or loss taking place in the conditioned space. Thus, the temperature of the served space will be more apt to remain in a null temperature range close to set point, providing smoother and more accurate control over the temperature of the conditioned space for longer shelf life of perishables stored therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Lars I. Sjoholm, Sung L. Kwon, Lee J. Erickson
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Patent number: 5363664Abstract: A hydraulic refrigeration system (10) employs as a preferred embodiment a hydrocarbon fluid as a refrigerant in combination with a non-miscible carrier fluid. A plurality of stages (110, 210, 310) of hydraulic refrigeration system (10) may be used by conveying the segregated refrigerant vapor from each stage to the entrainer (240, 340) of the next succeeding stage (210, 310). The liquid refrigerant of the last stage (310) is conveyed to an evaporator (416), which may be remotely located. The outflow of the evaporator (416) is conveyed to the entrainer (140) of the first stage (110). Second and succeeding stages include a non-miscible carrier fluid return line (268) connected to the respective separators (214, 314) for returning the non-miscible carrier fluid to the separator (114) of the first stage (110).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1992Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: HRB, L.L.C.Inventors: George Beakley, Craig Hosterman, Warren Rice
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Patent number: 5289699Abstract: The invention comprises a non-restrictive, constant pressure refrigerant recycling and cooling unit that interrupts the normal refrigerant cycle to permit a lower temperature liquid to enter the expansion device, and thus provide a lower temperature, and therefore a lower pressure gas for delivery to the inlet side of the compressor, which acts to reduce the energy requirement and cost to operate the compressor. This reduction in pressure and temperature also results in lower operating costs and lower maintenance costs and utilizes less refrigerant quantity requirements.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1991Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Assignee: Mayer Holdings S.A.Inventor: Jerry W. Nivens
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Patent number: 5245833Abstract: A refrigeration air conditioning system utilizing a liquid over-feeding operation is described. A liquid refrigerant accumulator-heat exchanger is placed in the system to provide a heat exchange relationship between hot liquid refrigerant discharged from condenser and a relatively cool mixture of liquid and vaporous refrigerant discharged from the evaporator. This heat exchange relationship substantially sub-cools the hot liquid refrigerant which undergoes little or no evaporation across the expansion device and provides a liquid over-feeding operation through the evaporator for effectively using 100 percent of evaporator for cooling purposes and for providing the aforementioned mixture of liquid and vaporous refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Viung C. Mei, Fang C. Chen
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Patent number: 5243837Abstract: An improved subcooling system for nonazeotropic working fluid leaving a condenser in a multi-compartment system passes the fluid leaving the condenser in heat exchange relationship with fluid evaporating within the evaporator. The heat exchange relationship can be effected by an internal subcooler in which the fluid leaving the condenser is directed through a conduit within the tube of a fin-tube evaporator, the conduit being of smaller dimension than the tube of the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: The University of MarylandInventors: Reinhard Radermacher, Dongsoo Jung
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Patent number: 5243827Abstract: An overheating prevention method for a fixed displacement type compressor having an overheating prevention device for introducing a part of high pressure liquefied coolant, liquefied in a compressor of a refrigeration cycle, into a compression chamber maintained under a compression stroke of the compressor through a connecting pipe, and for controlling a flow rate of the liquefied coolant flowing through the communication pipe to thereby cool the compressor. The connecting pipe is communicated with the compressor so that an average pressure within the compressor is reduced relative to a condensed pressure under a minimum operational pressure ratio condition at which the introduction of the liquefied coolant is required for cooling the compressor, within an operational pressure range in which the condensed pressure and evaporation pressure are respectively variable.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Shimizu Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naomi Hagita, Takao Mizuno
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Patent number: 5222378Abstract: A filter/separator for a vehicle air conditioning system includes an outer container and an inner container. A first chamber is defined between the outer and inner containers. A second chamber is defined by the inner container. The first chamber is filled with the coolant. An inlet is formed in a wall of the outer container, communicating a condenser with the first chamber. A first tube extends in and through a wall of the inner container with a first end thereof located in the first chamber and a second end thereof communicating with an expansion valve. A filter is provided in the first chamber between the inlet and the first end of the first tube for filtering water and other undesired articles carried by the coolant. A second tube has a first end communicating with an evaporator and a second end in the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1991Date of Patent: June 29, 1993Inventor: Pan C. Chuan
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Patent number: 5220809Abstract: An apparatus (10) for cooling a vehicle air conditioning system electrical controller (20) includes a chill block (10) in juxtaposition to the controller (20). The chill block (10) includes a channel (22) that forms a cooling groove in heat exchange relation with the controller (20). The chill block (10) receives a portion of the refrigerant being circulated in the system (12). The portion of the refrigerant received expands in the chill block (10) to a saturated vapor and extracts heat from the controller (20) as the heat of vaporization from such expansion.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1991Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Assignee: Nartron CorporationInventor: Mark G. Voss
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Patent number: 5174123Abstract: Methods and apparatus for eliminating the need for a float valve in a flash tank of a refrigeration system having an economizer cycle, improving stationary refrigeration systems and permitting a flash tank instead of a heat exchanger to be used in a transport refrigeration system having an economizer cycle. The refrigeration system includes a refrigerant compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, with the flash tank being disposed between the condenser and evaporator. A liquid sub-cooling valve is disposed between the condenser and flash tank. The liquid sub-cooling valve opens and closes to maintain a desired degree of sub-cooling, with the liquid sub-cooling valve thus controlling refrigerant flow into the flash tank. Refrigerant flow out of the flash tank to the evaporator is controlled by a suction superheat thermostatic expansion valve. In a preferred embodiment, liquid leaving the flash tank is sub-cooled before entering the expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1991Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventor: Lee J. Erickson
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Patent number: 5095712Abstract: A refrigeration circuit is provided in which economizer control is provided together with variable capacity control. Constant cooling is achieved by controlling an economizer cycle responsive to the suction pressure of the compressor. Additionally, compressor discharge temperature is controlled by controlling the portion of liquid refrigerant supplied to the interstage line.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1991Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Peter P. Narreau
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Patent number: 5044174Abstract: A refrigerating machine including an evaporator section, absorber section, condenser section and a regenerator section respectively divided into two stages. The first evaporator stage and second evaporator stage are arranged so as to be enclosed by the first absorber stage and the second absorber stage, with the first absorber stage being combined with the first evaporator stage and the second absorber stage being combined with the second evaporator stage to respectively form separate units. The first low temperature regenerator stage and the second low temperature regenerator stage are arranged so as to be enclosed by the first condenser stage and the second condenser stage, with the first condenser stage being combined with the first low temperature regenerator stage, and the second condenser stage being combined with the second low temperature regenerator stage to respectively form separate units.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1989Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Masaji Nagao
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Patent number: 4978278Abstract: Turbomachine and method of operation wherein shroud seal fluid is channelled from the turbomachine at or proximate to the seal and preferably recycled back to the turbomachine.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1989Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Assignee: Union Carbide CorporationInventor: Leslie C. Kun
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Patent number: 4903497Abstract: Liquid coming from the condenser or present in the fluid discharged by the compressor circulates in grooves provided between a stator 7 and a housing 10 of the motor at a distance from the coils (8, 9) thereof. The liquid cools the stator without any risk of short-circuit in the coils. The liquid may be urged by a centrifugal economizer separator 13 through the liquid outlet 16 thereof, towards liquid inlets 27 and 27'. The pressurized gas produced by separator 13 is sent in the motor housing through slit 17 and then, having cooled the coils, reaches economizer hole 12 of the compressor, through conduit 11. Thus, the heated gas is not sent to the intake of the compressor where it would reduce the compressor capacity and efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1988Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignee: Bernard ZimmernInventors: Bernard Zimmern, Joseph L. Knopp
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Patent number: 4788829Abstract: A refrigeration system includes first and second refrigerant circuits each having a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, each of the refrigerant circuits being charged with an organic refrigerant. The evaporator of the first refrigerant circuit is divided into a plurality of evaporator portions connected together in series. The condenser of the second refrigerant circuit is divided into condenser portions equal in number to the number of the evaporator portions of the first refrigerant circuit. The condenser portions of the second refrigerant circuit are paired with the evaporator portions of the first refrigerant circuit to provide heat exchangers. The refrigerant of the second refrigerant circuit is a mixture of refrigerants different in kind and in boiling point.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1986Date of Patent: December 6, 1988Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Takemasa, Fukuji Yoshida, Kenji Iwasa
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Patent number: 4781738Abstract: A gas-liquid contactor for varying the mixing ratio of a non-azeotropic refrigerant circulated through a refrigeration cycle, wherein each of pieces of a filler filled in a filler bed of the gas-liquid contactor is composed of a substantially cylindrical member with a peripheral surface having convexities and concavities. This form of the filler provides a voidage in the bed of the filler suitable for upward flow of the gaseous phase of the refrigerant through the filler bed and, at the same time, provides a large area for the contact between the gaseous phase and the liquid phase of the refrigerant by virtue of the presence of many convexities and concavities.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1987Date of Patent: November 1, 1988Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Fujiwara, Masahiko Kagami, Takumi Imoto, Naoki Shimokawa
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Patent number: 4720981Abstract: A residential heat pump installation includes a variable speed reciprocating compressor. The compressor speed control components, which include an inverter, are cooled by diverting the refrigerant liquid line into the closed controls compartment of the outdoor cabinet section and by passing the liquid line through a block of material therein upon which the compressor speed control components are mounted. The heat generated by the speed control components is transferred through the block of material and ultimately into the liquid refrigerant which is pumped through the liquid line by the operation of the compressor. Heat generated in the controls compartment is therefore removed from the compartment by system refrigerant in an manner which does not, to any significant degree, adversely affect the overall operation and efficiency of the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1986Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Helt, George N. Sawyer
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Patent number: 4712385Abstract: A refrigerating unit suitable for use in a vending machine which is provided with a plurality of isolated chambers for storing the different types of merchandise comprises a condensing unit which includes compressor and condenser, with two parallel connected evaporators each evaporator being disposed in one isolated chamber of the vending machine and connected with the condensing unit through a suction and a discharge lines, and a capillary tube is inserted on suction side of each evaporator. Therefore, two refrigerant circuits are provided. A part of each suction line of one refrigerant circuit is closely disposed to extend along the capillary tube of the other refrigerant circuit. Thereby operation of one refrigerant circuit is directly controlled by the operating conditions of other refrigerant circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1986Date of Patent: December 15, 1987Assignee: Sanden CorporationInventors: Kazumi Aoki, Minoru Fujiu
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Patent number: 4702086Abstract: A refrigeration system is disclosed having greatly improved efficiency. The system includes a pre-cooler heat exchanger for sub-cooling the refrigerant hot gas from the compressor before entering the condenser to render the entire evaporator more effective for refrigeration purposes. The heat exchanger for pre-cooling the hot gas has one passage through which the hot gas flows and another passage, in heat exchange relation therewith, which is connected to receive a small flow of liquid refrigerant bled off from the main stream of the liquid refrigerant which refrigerant passes through an expansion valve or capillary tube to vaporize so that the refrigerant hot gas is sub-cooled by the latent heat of vaporization of the vaporizing refrigerant. This heat exchanger is located between the compressor and the condenser. The flow of the vaporized refrigerant used for cooling in the heat exchanger is connected to the return flow of vaporized refrigerant flowing from the evaporator to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1986Date of Patent: October 27, 1987Assignee: Turbo Coils Inc.Inventors: John O. Nunn, Sr., John O. Nunn, Jr.
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Patent number: 4689439Abstract: A superconducting-coil apparatus according to the present invention comprises a normal-fluid helium bath, a superfluid helium bath, a channel connecting the two baths, superconducting coils contained in the superfluid helium bath, current lead wires extending from an exciting current source to the superconducting coils, through the channel, and a valve plug normally closing the channel and adapted to open the channel when the pressure inside the superfluid helium bath rises above a predetermined level. If the superconducting coils undergo quenching while they are being excited, the superfluid helium is gasified by Joule heat, produced in the coils. As a result, the pressure inside the superfluid helium bath increases, so that the valve plug is urged to open the channel due to the pressure difference. The gasified helium directly cools those portions of the lead wires which pass through the channel, thus these wire portions are prevented from being burned out.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1986Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Assignee: Kabushiki Kasiha ToshibaInventor: Akio Sato
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Patent number: 4597268Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for cooling a gas, for example compressed air, which is dried and thereafter fed into an evaporator (1) for cooling therein by means of a first refrigerant, which is cooled by means of a cooler (10) and fed into the evaporator (1) via cooling in an exchanger (15), in which the first refrigerant is cooled by means of a second refrigerant which, in its turn, is cooled by means of a second cooler (18).Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1985Date of Patent: July 1, 1986Inventor: Bengt O. K. Andersson
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Patent number: 4577468Abstract: A refrigeration system is disclosed having greatly improved efficiency. The system includes a pre-cooler heat exchanger for sub-cooling the liquid refrigerant from the condenser to render the entire evaporator more effective for refrigeration purposes. The heat exchanger for pre-cooling the liquid refrigerant has one passage through which the hot liquid refrigerant flows and another passage, in heat exchange relation therewith, which is connected to receive a small flow of liquid refrigerant bled off from the main stream of the liquid refrigerant which refrigerant passes through an expansion valve or capillary tube to vaporize so that the liquid refrigerant is sub-cooled by the latent heat of vaporization of the vaporizing refrigerant. This heat exchanger is located between the condenser and the receiver or between the condenser and the evaporator in systems not having a receiver.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1985Date of Patent: March 25, 1986Inventors: John O. Nunn, Jr., John O. Nunn, Sr.
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Patent number: 4488408Abstract: A cooling method and a system therefor to remove sensible heat of a whole room to be cooled installed with a cooler of an absorption refrigerator utilizing a heating medium, and to dehumidify air of the room by utilizing thermal energy of the heating medium for regenerating the dehumidifying function of the dehumidifier. The cooling system includes an absorption refrigerator utilizing a heating medium heated by solar heat, a cooler having a relatively large panel area exposed to a room, a dehumidifier for dehumidifying indoor air by utilizing the thermal energy of the heating medium heated by solar heat, and an outlet element for blowing dehumidified air coming from the dehumidifier to the cooler.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1982Date of Patent: December 18, 1984Assignee: Taikisha Ltd.Inventor: Senri Kajitsuka
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Patent number: 4474019Abstract: In the operation of a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condensor, an expansion valve and an evaporator which form a circulation circuit containing NH.sub.3 refrigerant as a first medium, the compressor being lubricated by a second medium, oil, part of the oil quantity being continuously discharged from the compressor together with compressed NH.sub.3 -gas into the circulation circuit for recirculation of oil to the compressor, continuously or batchwise, from the low pressure region of the circulation circuit, that is, the region located between the expansion valve and the compressor, the part of the oil transferred to the low pressure region (5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11) of the circulation circuit is contacted with a third medium, added to the circulation circuit and which is substantially insoluble in liquid NH.sub.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1982Date of Patent: October 2, 1984Assignee: Stal Refrigeration ABInventor: Ludwig Albert
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Patent number: 4446703Abstract: Air conditioning systems and methods for use in multi-unit buildings wherein an air conditioning system is provided with an air handling unit which includes a water cooled first heat absorbing means, a mechanical refrigerant cooled second heat absorbing means, and means for circulating air successively through the first and second heat absorbing means. Means is provided for circulating cooling water successively through a first heat absorbing means and a refrigerant condensing heat exchanger in series relation with a flow rate through at least the first heat absorbing means substantially independent of the operating condition of the refrigerant compressor and the refrigerant condensing heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1982Date of Patent: May 8, 1984Inventor: Thomas A. Gilbertson
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Patent number: 4393661Abstract: A vapor compression cycle device is provided which incorporates a first expansion device, a second expansion device with inlet positioned upstream from said first expansion device and means to transfer heat from the working fluid liquid flowing through said first expansion device to the expanded working fluid flowing through said second expansion device so as to maximize efficiency benefits due to flowrate regulation thus permitting the working fluid flowrate to depend on the level of liquid working fluid accumulated at the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1981Date of Patent: July 19, 1983Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Himanshu B. Vakil
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Patent number: 4285205Abstract: Disclosed is a commercial refrigeration system of a type having at least one compressor, a suction header and a liquid header at a central location or machinery center, a condenser and a plurality of remotely located evaporators, wherein a suction-to-liquid heat exchanger is embodied in the suction header of the system and all of the relatively cool gaseous refrigerant returning to the central location from the remotely located evaporators is maintained in heat exchange contact with substantially all of the primary stream of relatively warm liquid refrigerant produced by the operation of the compressor and condenser.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1979Date of Patent: August 25, 1981Inventors: Leonard I. Martin, Robert H. Harms
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Patent number: 4282717Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil from the refrigerant in a vapor compression refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a vertical oil separation and heat exchange column into which hot compressed refrigerant vapors containing entrained oil are introduced to flow upwardly countercurrently with cool refrigerant liquid introduced to flow downwardly in direct intimate mutual contact, said column comprising (1) an inlet vapor distributor to disperse vapors throughout the cross section of the column to flow upwardly around baffles and to be removed in the top of the column and be directed to said condenser, (2) an inlet liquid line comprising an hydraulic leg wherein the liquid is of sufficient pressure to resist the pressure of said vapors, (3) a means for distributing said liquid throughout the cross section of said column to fall by gravity to a pool of liquid in the bottom of the column, (4) an outlet from said pool of liquid directed to said evaporator and (5) an outlType: GrantFiled: November 19, 1979Date of Patent: August 11, 1981Inventor: Henry B. Bonar, II
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Patent number: 4259848Abstract: A closed circuit refrigeration system having an elongated liquid refrigerant conduit in the high pressure circuit portion which delivers a vapor-free stream of liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve separating the high and low pressure portions of the closed circuit. Vapor formed by exposure of the liquid refrigerant conduit to ambient conditions is withdrawn by a dual suction compressor, and the refrigerant approaching the expansion valve is adiabatically cooled to liquefy any additional vapor formed by the withdrawal of vaporized refrigerant from the high pressure portion of the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1979Date of Patent: April 7, 1981Inventor: Carl A. Voigt
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Patent number: 4227905Abstract: Apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of a heat pump for transferring heat and cold between two separate fluid streams, in which, during heating operation, the cooling medium is heated before decompression by the Joule's heat released upon compression. According to a preferred embodiment, prior to this heating by Joule's heat, the cooling medium is cooled by heat exchange with the fluid stream used for evaporation, which fluid stream is simultaneously heated.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1978Date of Patent: October 14, 1980Inventors: Manfred Burger, Waldeman Dukek, Ernst Gagel, Alfred Pretchtl, Rudolf Kalmovicz
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Patent number: 4147037Abstract: A suction line/capillary tube assembly which provides improved heat exchange between the cool gaseous refrigerant conveyed by the suction line and the warm liquid refrigerant conveyed by the capillary tube in a refrigeration system. The assembly is generally characterized by the capillary tube being within and in direct thermal contact with the suction line wall along a substantial length thereof, which length is at least approximately two feet. In a first specific embodiment, the capillary tube is soldered to the inside of the suction line, as opposed to merely being loosely passed therethrough. In a second specific embodiment, an aluminum suction line is fabricated with an internal extruded channel defined between a pair of ridges extending from the interior surface of the suction line. A copper capillary tube is snugly positioned in the channel and preferably the ridges are deformed toward each other so as to substantially surround the capillary tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1978Date of Patent: April 3, 1979Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert B. Gelbard, Raymond M. Schreck