Trapping And Discharging Refrigerant Batches Patents (Class 62/174)
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Patent number: 8899056Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor, first and second heat exchangers connected with high pressure piping, low pressure piping connecting the second heat exchanger to a compressor suction port, a pressure reducing mechanism arranged to reduce pressure in the high pressure piping, a bypass passageway, a vessel connected to the bypass passageway, and first and second opening/closing mechanisms. The first heat exchanger is connected to a compressor discharge port. The bypass passageway is arranged to divert refrigerant from the high pressure piping to the low pressure piping without passing through the second heat exchanger. The first opening/closing mechanism is arranged to open/close a first portion of the bypass passageway that connects the high pressure piping to the vessel. The second opening/closing mechanism is arranged to open/close a second portion of the bypass passageway that connects an upper part of the vessel to the low pressure piping.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Kawano, Masahiro Oka, Kazuhiko Tani, Atsushi Okamoto
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Patent number: 8578723Abstract: An air-conditioning system control apparatus for controlling an air-conditioning system of a vehicle equipped with a motive power engine, having: a device for determining whether there is a history of a load that has been applied to a compressor, operated by the output of the motive power engine, equal to or greater than a threshold, during operation of the air-conditioning system; a device for carrying out initial operation process of the air-conditioning system if the load history determination device determines that there is a history of a load equal to or greater than the threshold has been applied to the compressor; and a device for carrying out liquid accumulation resolution process when liquefaction of a refrigerant occurs in the compressor only if the load history determination device determines that there is no history of a load equal to or greater than the threshold has been applied to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuma Miyazaki
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Patent number: 8490421Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigerator is provided in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber may be cooled at the same time the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber may be cooled sequentially, and a refrigerant recovery may then be performed. Accordingly, upon initial start-up of the refrigerator, a temperature within each chamber may be cooled more rapidly through simultaneous cooling. Further, when a compressor is actuated again after being off, refrigerant may be supplied to each evaporator smoothly through the refrigerant recovery. Accordingly, cooling performance of a freezing cycle may be improved.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yong Hwan Eom, Chan Ho Chun
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Patent number: 8302411Abstract: A positive shutoff device is provided for a connection point of a refrigeration system. The connection point includes a manually-actuatable valve that permits charging and testing of the system. The device includes a first fitting engagable with the connection point and having a raised actuator that actuates the manually-actuatable valve when the first fitting engages the connection point, and a shutoff valve having a first end coupled to the first fitting and a second end coupled to a second fitting, the shutoff valve is operable in a closed position to prevent flow therethrough and an open position to permit flow therethrough, so that the refrigeration system may be charged or tested by connecting equipment to the second fitting and opening the shutoff valve, and the connection point may be positively shut off to prevent leakage of refrigerant through the connection point by closing the shutoff valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Hill PHOENIX, Inc.Inventor: J. Scott Martin
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Patent number: 8261564Abstract: A recovery apparatus, system and method, including a compressor to evacuate a gas or liquid from a system during a first phase and a second phase of a recovery process, and a vacuum pump to evacuate the gas or liquid during the second phase. A memory stores one or more correlation relations to determine a predetermined second variable recovery time for the second phase to evacuate the system to a second predetermined level related to a first recovery time to evacuate the vessel or system to a first predetermined level during the first phase, and a processor to determine the second variable recovery time, based on the one or more correlation relations and the first recovery time, and selectively control the compressor and the vacuum pump to evacuate the gas or liquid from the vessel or system to the first and second predetermined levels.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: William Brown, Gary Murray
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Patent number: 8191376Abstract: A reversible HVAC heating/cooling refrigerant system includes a novel valve system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to function as a subcooler during a cooling or defrost mode and function as a receiver tank for storing excess liquid refrigerant during a heating mode. In the heating mode, a cooling expansion valve is kept slightly open to flood the subcooler with liquid refrigerant while a heating expansion valve is regulated to maintain a desired level of superheat at the suction side of the refrigerant system's compressor. The novel valve system also serves as a pressure relief valve to protect the subcooler from excess pressure caused by thermal expansion of liquid refrigerant trapped within the subcooler.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: William B. Fox, George M. Singh, Scott A. Munns
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Patent number: 8056348Abstract: A heat pump system includes a compressor, a reversing valve, an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger in a circuit, and a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. In the air cooling with water heating mode, the air heating with water heating mode and the water heating only mode, water from a water reservoir is passed through refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. A refrigerant reservoir may be provided for use in refrigerant charge control. A refrigerant line (71) couples reservoir to the refrigerant circuit intermediate the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers for directing liquid refrigerant into the reservoir and a refrigerant line (73) couples the refrigerant circuit upstream of the suction inlet to the compressor for returning refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit. A controller controls flow into and from the refrigerant reservoir through selective opening and closing of control valve (72) in line (71) and control valve (74) in line (73).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Toshio Murakami, Carlos A. Tesche, Roberto G. Fernandez
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Patent number: 7895844Abstract: According to the invention, there is described a method and a system which use a compressor (4) for filling CO2 into an air conditioning system (18) via an oil filter (5) and a gas cooler (6). CO2 may be pumped to an internal pressure container (11), and from there the air conditioning system (18) may be filled with CO2 in gas form via valves (15). The fill system may additionally include a heat exchanger (9), so that a temperature may be controlled in the pressure container (11) so that it does not exceed 31.8 C, whereby CO2 may be filled into the air conditioning system (18) in liquid form.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Agramkow Fluid Systems A/SInventor: Louis Cording
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Publication number: 20100319369Abstract: A reversible HVAC heating/cooling refrigerant system includes a novel valve system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to function as a subcooler during a cooling or defrost mode and function as a receiver tank for storing excess liquid refrigerant during a heating mode. In the heating mode, a cooling expansion valve is kept slightly open to flood the subcooler with liquid refrigerant while a heating expansion valve is regulated to maintain a desired level of superheat at the suction side of the refrigerant system's compressor. The novel valve system also serves as a pressure relief valve to protect the subcooler from excess pressure caused by thermal expansion of liquid refrigerant trapped within the subcooler.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Willaim B. Fox, George M. Singh, Scott A. Munns
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Publication number: 20100269523Abstract: A plurality of pressure relief devices are disposed within a refrigeration circuit, and each of the pressure relief devices is located within a compartment that fluidly communicates with the ambient air. Each of the pressure relief devices is oriented so that the release of high pressure vapor therefrom is directed to a rear wall of the compartment. Further, a four sided cover is disposed over each of the pressure relief devices so as to partially contain any released vapor and allow it to be discharged in one direction only.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Zvonko Asprovski, Kursten Lamendola
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Patent number: 7607317Abstract: An air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit that includes a heat source heat exchanger configured such that refrigerant flows in from below and flows out from above when the heat source heat exchanger functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant and a plurality of utilization heat exchangers. When the heat source heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, the refrigerant discharged from a compression mechanism is bypassed to an intake side of the compression mechanism via a first bypass circuit, the heat source heat exchanger is caused to function as a condenser, and an expansion valve is closed, whereby refrigerating machine oil accumulating inside the heat source heat exchanger is returned to the intake side of the compression mechanism from a lower portion of the heat source heat exchanger via an oil returning circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Honda, Yasushi Hori, Shigeaki Umeyama, Keiji Ishida
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Patent number: 7370483Abstract: A refrigerant cycle is provided with a single three-way service valve that is utilized for draining and adding refrigerant. In the prior art, a second two-way valve was used in combination with the three-way valve. The present invention simply drains the refrigerant, and does not need to return the refrigerant. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with an environmentally benign refrigerant such as CO2.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Tobias H. Sienel, Yu Chen
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Publication number: 20080060367Abstract: A method of operating a directed relief valve to ventilate a refrigerant by sensing the concentration of refrigerant leakage from the air conditioning system, and if the first concentration exceeds a threshold, by sensing a second concentration. If the first and second concentrations exceed a predetermined concentration, the system will send a leak message to the operator and/or ventilate the refrigerant to the surrounding atmosphere. The system continuously monitors the refrigerant leakage concentration when the vehicle engine is operative, but only periodically monitors the refrigerant leakage concentration when the vehicle engine is inoperative.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Mark James Zima, Taylor R. Eckstein
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Patent number: 7010927Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a supplemental storage container that allows for transferring refrigerant into or out of an air conditioning or refrigeration system based upon different operating conditions. In one example, a controller controls the operation of valves that selectively couple the storage container to the high pressure side or the low pressure side of the system. Depending on operating conditions, when it is desirable to increase an amount of refrigerant in the system, refrigerant is transferred from the storage container to the low pressure side of the air conditioning or refrigeration system. Under conditions where the amount of refrigerant in the system is above a desired amount, refrigerant can be transferred from the high side of air conditioning system to the storage container to bring the pressure within the system closer to the desired level.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras, Thomas J. Dobmeier
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Patent number: 6996998Abstract: An air conditioning or refrigeration system includes an attached refrigerant receptacle associated with the system. During shipment or storage, the pressure within the system may exceed a selected threshold for the low pressure side. Under such circumstances, a pressure relief device automatically allows refrigerant to flow from the system into the attached receptacle, which brings the pressure within the system back to an acceptable level for the low pressure side. Various optional shutoff devices are disclosed that can be incorporated into the design to simplify receptacle removal or recycling.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras, Thomas J. Dobmeier
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Patent number: 6997000Abstract: The object of the present invention is to prevent refrigerant from flowing out into a vehicle compartment due to damage to an evaporator or piping associated therewith. A solenoid valve is arranged at an inlet of an evaporator, and a check valve is arranged at an outlet of the evaporator. When operation of a system is to be stopped, the solenoid valve is closed while a compressor is kept operating for a predetermined time to suck out refrigerant from the evaporator to a downstream side of the check valve, so that during stoppage of the operation, the check valve prevents the refrigerant from flowing back into the evaporator. Thus, even if the evaporator arranged in the vehicle compartment or piping associated therewith is damaged, a situation where a large amount of refrigerant flows out of the evaporator into the vehicle compartment does not occur because no refrigerant remains in the evaporator, making it possible to prevent occupants in the vehicle compartment from being put in a grave situation.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hisatoshi Hirota
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Patent number: 6910341Abstract: A temperature control unit and a method of operating a temperature control unit. The temperature control unit including a refrigeration circuit enclosing a refrigerant and having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator coil. The method including providing a first flow path extending through the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator, providing a second flow path extending through the compressor and the evaporator, the second flow path bypassing a section of the refrigeration circuit, directing refrigerant through the first flow path during operation in a cooling mode, directing refrigerant through the second flow path during operation in a heating mode, and recovering refrigerant from the section of the refrigeration circuit during operation in a recovery cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Panaya Robert Srichai, William Francis Mohs, Bradley Michael Ludwig
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Patent number: 6904760Abstract: A selectively controllable valve is arranged in a refrigeration circuit which interconnects the evaporator and the condenser and is controlled so that a pressure differential is built up across the valve. The valve is selectively opened to allow “batches” of working fluid to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the working fluid which is allowed to pass through the valve, is heated in a chamber to increase the amount of pressure on the downstream side of the valve. This produces expanded pressurized working fluid which increases the pressure in the condenser and forces previously condensed and liquefied working fluid through a flow restricting transfer device into an evaporator. Condensation of the just heated gas in the condenser subsequently reduces the pressure on the downstream side of the valve and establishes conditions suitable for the passage of a further amount of gaseous working fluid while itself becoming liquid to be forced through the flow restricting transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Crystal Investments, Inc.Inventor: Otto R. Butsch
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Patent number: 6837061Abstract: A first solenoid-operated, discharge-line control valve (26) is moved between open and closed positions to control fluid flow in the discharge fluid line (18) between the compressor (12) and the condenser (14). A second solenoid-operated, liquid-line control valve (28) is moved between open and closed positions to control fluid flow in the liquid fluid line (20) between the condenser (14) and the evaporator (16). A controller (36) closes one of the flow control valves (26, 28) a period of time before closing the other flow control valve (26, 28) and shuts down the compressor (12) sequentially with the flow control valves (26, 28).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Prasad S. Kadle, James A. Baker, Mahmoud Ghodbane
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Publication number: 20040206098Abstract: In the air conditioner of the present invention, both the normal cooling mode operation, in which refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is made to flow in the condenser 2, and the heating mode operation conducted by the hot gas bypass, in which refrigerant is made to bypass the condenser and directly flow in the evaporator 4 via the throttle 17, can be conducted. Before this heating mode operation, after the compressor is turned on for a predetermined period of time in the cooling mode, the compressor is turned off for a predetermined period of time, so that refrigerant residing in the condenser can be recovered into the hot gas cycle, and then a hot gas operation, which is the heating mode, is conducted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Satoshi Izawa, Shun Kurata
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Patent number: 6748753Abstract: In the air conditioner of the present invention, both the normal cooling mode operation, in which refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is made to flow in the condenser 2, and the heating mode operation conducted by the hot gas bypass, in which refrigerant is made to bypass the condenser and directly flow in the evaporator 4 via the throttle 17, can be conducted. Before this heating mode operation, after the compressor is turned on for a predetermined period of time in the cooling mode, the compressor is turned off for a predetermined period of time, so that refrigerant residing in the condenser can be recovered into the hot gas cycle, and then a hot gas operation, which is the heating mode, is conducted.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Satoshi Izawa, Shun Kurata
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Patent number: 6666041Abstract: A refrigerator comprising evaporator (1), cyclone separator (21), and supply pipe (8) between condensator and evaporator (1). The evaporator (1) is connected to an upper part of the cyclone separator (21) via delivery pipe (3). The cyclone separator (21) is disposed at a distance above the evaporator (1). The lower part of the cyclone separator (21), which is a liquid collecting compartment, is connected to the evaporator (1) via a down pipe (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Gram Equipment A/SInventor: Povl Agergaard
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Patent number: 6655161Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit and a compressor. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit by a refrigerant pipe to form a closed circuit. The refrigerant pipe is divided into high and low pressure pipes. The air conditioner further includes a refrigerant leakage detecting unit provided on the indoor unit to detect refrigerant leakage, a high pressure pipe shutoff valve provided on the high pressure pipe of the refrigerant pipe, and a low pressure pipe shutoff valve provided on the low pressure pipe of the refrigerant pipe. Refrigerant is restored into the outdoor unit by closing the high pressure pipe shutoff valve and opening the low pressure pipe shutoff valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyoung-Mo Koo
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Publication number: 20030213254Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit and a compressor. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit by a refrigerant pipe to form a closed circuit. The refrigerant pipe is divided into high and low pressure pipes. The air conditioner further includes a refrigerant leakage detecting unit provided on the indoor unit to detect refrigerant leakage, a high pressure pipe shutoff valve provided on the high pressure pipe of the refrigerant pipe, and a low pressure pipe shutoff valve provided on the low pressure pipe of the refrigerant pipe. Refrigerant is restored into the outdoor unit by closing the high pressure pipe shutoff valve and opening the low pressure pipe shutoff valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyoung-Mo Koo
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Patent number: 6644045Abstract: The expansion device in a refrigeration or air conditioning system is an expressor. The expresser is made up of a twin screw expander and a twin screw compressor with rotors of the expander functioning as timing gears.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Yan Tang, Joost J. Brasz
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Publication number: 20030159449Abstract: In the air conditioner of the present invention, both the normal cooling mode operation, in which refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is made to flow in the condenser 2, and the heating mode operation conducted by the hot gas bypass, in which refrigerant is made to bypass the condenser and directly flow in the evaporator 4 via the throttle 17, can be conducted. Before this heating mode operation, after the compressor is turned on for a predetermined period of time in the cooling mode, the compressor is turned off for a predetermined period of time, so that refrigerant residing in the condenser can be recovered into the hot gas cycle, and then a hot gas operation, which is the heating mode, is conducted.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Satoshi Izawa, Shun Kurata
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Patent number: 6584785Abstract: A motor vehicle has an air conditioning installation which also serves for heating the cabin of the vehicle. In the heating mode, the refrigerant fluid in the air conditioning circuit flows in a bypass branch which bypasses the condenser. The evaporator therefore receives the fluid in the gaseous state, and acts as a heat exchanger for dissipating the heat produced by the compressor. The heat dissipated by the evaporator can be used for heating the cabin when the heat produced by the engine of the vehicle is insufficient, and means are provided for adjusting, according to demand, the quantity of fluid contained in the heating loop of the circuit, by drawing fluid from, or passing fluid into, the branch (2) of the circuit which contains the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Valeo ClimatisationInventor: Stefan Karl
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Patent number: 6571565Abstract: A refrigeration system including a pair of heat exchangers, a hermetic compressor assembly having a compressor housing containing refrigerant fluid, fluid conveying lines and a flow restriction device forming a working refrigerant system, an evacuation volume having one of a first, substantially evacuated state and a second, fluid-containing state, a control valve located between the working refrigeration system and the evacuation volume and having an initial, closed position and an open position, and at least one refrigerant gas detector located externally of the working refrigeration system and in communication with the control valve. The evacuation volume is fluidly isolated from the working refrigeration system in the valve closed position and in fluid communication with the working refrigeration system in the valve open position.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Tecumseh Products CompanyInventors: Todd W. Herrick, Rick L. Bunch
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Patent number: 6539735Abstract: A refrigeration system generally including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. A refrigerant expansion tank is connected to the suction side of the compressor to vary the charge of refrigerant in the refrigeration system. Preferably, the expansion tank adds additional refrigerant to the system only after it has reached, is near, or at least is approaching, its operating point. The additional refrigerant is removed from the refrigerant fluid path and contained within the expansion tank when the refrigeration system is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Thermo Forma Inc.Inventor: Douglas A. Schmidt
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Patent number: 6530240Abstract: In a natural gas liquefaction system having a refrigerant storage circuit, a refrigerant circulation circuit in fluid communication with the refrigerant storage circuit, and a natural gas liquefaction circuit in thermal communication with the refrigerant circulation circuit, a method for liquefaction of natural gas in which pressure in the refrigerant circulation circuit is adjusted to below about 175 psig by exchange of refrigerant with the refrigerant storage circuit. A variable speed motor is started whereby operation of a compressor is initiated. The compressor is operated at full discharge capacity. Operation of an expansion valve is initiated whereby suction pressure at the suction pressure port of the compressor is maintained below about 30 psig and discharge pressure at the discharge pressure port of the compressor is maintained below about 350 psig.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Kenneth J. Kountz, Patrick M. Bishop
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Publication number: 20020162343Abstract: A refrigeration system including a pair of heat exchangers, a hermetic compressor assembly having a compressor housing containing refrigerant fluid, fluid conveying lines and a flow restriction device forming a working refrigerant system, an evacuation volume having one of a first, substantially evacuated state and a second, fluid-containing state, a control valve located between the working refrigeration system and the evacuation volume and having an initial, closed position and an open position, and at least one refrigerant gas detector located externally of the working refrigeration system and in communication with the control valve. The evacuation volume is fluidly isolated from the working refrigeration system in the valve closed position and in fluid communication with the working refrigeration system in the valve open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Todd W. Herrick, Rick L. Bunch
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Patent number: 6467283Abstract: A kit and method for retrofitting an R-12 air conditioner into an R-134a air conditioner are provided. The kit includes a first pressurized container of R-134a lubricant or oil sufficient to fully charge an automobile air conditioner. Preferably, the first container also contains pressurized refrigerant 134a to act as a propellant to deliver the lubricant in aerosol form. A second pressurized container may also be provided containing a full charge of R-134a for an auto air conditioner. The kit includes a service port adapter, configured to be convertible to the service port of an automobile air conditioner wherein both the first and second containers may be hooked up to the auto air conditioner via the same service port adapter.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.Inventor: Saul Trachtenberg
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Patent number: 6449967Abstract: A high-speed evaporator defrost system is described. It comprises a defrost conduit circuit having valves for directing hot high pressure refrigerant gas from a discharge line of a compressor and through a refrigeration coil of an evaporator of a refrigeration system during a defrost cycle thereof, and back to a suction header of the compressor through a reservoir of the refrigeration system to remove any liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant gas prior to returning to the suction header. The reservoir has an internal pressure which is generally at the same pressure as that of a suction header of the compressor thereby creating a pressure differential across the refrigeration coil sufficient to accelerate the hot high pressure refrigerant gas in the discharge line through the refrigeration coil of the evaporator to quickly defrost the refrigeration coil. The reservoir is repressurized after the defrost cycle for using the reservoir in a refrigeration cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Inventor: Serge Dubé
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Patent number: 6434959Abstract: In an air conditioner including a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a pressure-reducing mechanism, an indoor heat exchanger and an accumulator which are successively connected to one another to construct a loop-like refrigerant circuit, non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant composed of first refrigerant having a high boiling point and second refrigerant having a low boiling point being filled in the refrigerant circuit and the flow of the non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant being inverted between cooling operation and heating operation by operating the four-way valve, when one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the first refrigerant of the non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant is stocked in the accumulator while the second refrigerant of the non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant is circulated in the refrigerant circuit, thereby increasing the refrigerant pressure in the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Kobayashi, Haruyuki Kaeriyama, Naoki Tsuzurano, Shigetaka Nishino, Shinichi Ito, Takeshi Ogawa
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Patent number: 6430958Abstract: A deflector for use in an accumulator that provides a reservoir for the liquid-phase of a heat transfer medium circulating in a closed-loop air conditioning system is configured to prevent liquid phase medium from the supply pipe from entering the inlet area of the delivery pipe of the accumulator. The deflector has a recessed underside defined by a depending peripheral skirt having an outline that is closely spaced with respect to the peripheral wall of the accumulator to define therewith an annular gap. The upper wall of the deflector is positioned to be impinged by medium delivered from the supply pipe and is configured to distribute radially and impart rotation to the medium, thus enhancing the separation of the liquid phase along the accumulator peripheral wall, especially as the liquid and gaseous phase pass through the annular gap. The open inlet area of the delivery pipe is shielded within the recessed underside of the deflector.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Halla Climate Control Canada, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Leonard Corrigan, Kenneth Peter Luke Cram
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Patent number: 6427460Abstract: A refrigeration system having a refrigeration cycle which provides optimized consumption, comprising a main section, which is constituted by at least one main compressor, a main condenser, which is connected between the compressor and at least one expansion valve, and at least one evaporator, which is connected to the expansion valve, which comprises an auxiliary section comprising at least one auxiliary compressor which is connected to a low-pressure intake line of the main compressor, at least one auxiliary condenser which is connected to the auxiliary compressor, and a first auxiliary reservoir and a second auxiliary reservoir which are respectively connected to the output of the auxiliary condenser and to the output of the main condenser, for connection to the at least one expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventor: Luciano Zanon
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Patent number: 6397608Abstract: A refrigerator having a refrigerator evaporator and a freezer evaporator, capable of controlling the refrigerant circulation correctly and reducing the delay in the refrigerant behaviors. When freezer mode is to be switched to refrigerator mode, at the end of the freezer mode, a refrigerant recovery run recovers the refrigerant from the freezer evaporator and feeds it to a condenser before the refrigerator mode by running a compressor while blocking the refrigerant to the freezer evaporator and by running a compressor fan.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tsutomu Sakuma, Koji Kashima, Masato Tago, Takashi Doi, Akihiro Noguchi
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Patent number: 6385980Abstract: A flash tank employing valves for use in transcritical cycles of a vapor compression system to increase the efficiency and/or capacity of the system. Carbon dioxide is preferably used as the refrigerant. The high pressure of the system (gas cooler pressure) is regulated by controlling the amount of charge in the flash tank by actuating valves positioned on the expansion devices located at the entry and exit of the flash tank. If the pressure in the gas cooler is too high or too low, the valves can be adjusted to either store charge in or release charge from the flash tank. By regulating the amount of charge in the flash tank, the high pressure of the system can be controlled to achieve optimal efficiency and/or capacity.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Tobias H. Sienel
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Patent number: 6286327Abstract: A refrigerant fluid circuit for a motor vehicle includes an air conditioning loop and a heating loop, the heating loop comprising a heating branch. A variable opening valve is connected in the heating loop. This valve is controllable so as not only to control the distribution of the refrigerant fluid flowing in the circuit into the heating loop, but also to control the expansion of the fluid in its gaseous state in the heating loop in the additional heating mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Valeo ClimatisationInventor: Stefan Karl
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Patent number: 6122923Abstract: A refrigeration system comprising: a duct; a compressor having an inlet and an outlet; a reheat coil located in the duct and having an outlet and an inlet operatively connected to the compressor outlet; and a condenser having an outlet, and an inlet operatively connected to the reheat coil outlet. The system also comprises an expansion device, an evaporator and a receiver system. The expansion device has an outlet, and an inlet operatively connected to the condenser outlet. The evaporator is located in the duct upstream of the reheat coil and has an inlet operatively connected to the expansion device outlet, and has an outlet operatively connected to the compressor inlet. The receiver system has an inlet operatively connected to the condenser outlet and has an outlet operatively connected to the evaporator inlet. The receiver system includes an upstream flow control device, a receiver and a downstream flow control device in series.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Brian T. Sullivan
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Patent number: 6112532Abstract: A refrigeration system having a closed circulating circuit filled with a refrigerant which on evaporation expands and gives rise to an increase in pressure in the whole or in parts of the circulating circuit, and which at ambient temperature has a saturation pressure that is higher than the maximum working pressure in the refrigeration circuit. A refrigeration of this kind may, for example, be carbon dioxide. By allowing vaporized refrigerant to condense against the surface of the refrigerant in liquid phase, contained in a container that is insulated and has adapted size and adapted liquid level, the pressure in the circulating circuit can be maintained below the maximum working pressure of the refrigeration circuit. Thus undesirable build-up of pressure in the event of, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Norild ASInventor: Knut Bakken
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Patent number: 6101822Abstract: The invention is a device to maintain a continuous volume and pressure in a Freon (.TM.) operated air conditioning unit. Outside ambient temperature is used as a baseline for the on/off switch. Vital components include a 110 volt to 24 volt transformer, a pair of electromechanical operated solenoid valve, a pressure and volume gauge, a compressor, and a timer. All devices are connected to a Freon tank-operated air conditioning unit and can be instituted into either enclosed structure or automotive air conditioning systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Eugene Groves
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Patent number: 6092382Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen unit (100) for the handling of portions of household garbage at the source, i.e. in the individual households, said kitchen unit being in the form of a box, which fits into a kitchen table. The first compartment (7) is connected to a refrigeration unit having an evaporator (13) in the first compartment (7) and a condenser (14) which is placed under the bottom in the second compartment (17), so that the heat from the condenser (14) can rise up through a grating (21) into the second compartment (17). The first compartment (7) is insulated against heat on five (6, 8, 9, 10, 11) of its six walls, while the sixth wall (15) is formed using a heat-conducting material. The moisture from wet garbage which is deposited in the second compartment (17) is evaporated by the heat from the condenser and rises to meet the cold wall (15). Consequently, the vapor condenses and drips down this wall to a drip-tray (18), from which the condensate is led to a dish (20) via a tube (19).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Gronne's Miljo ApSInventor: Ebbe Gr.o slashed.nne
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Patent number: 6089033Abstract: A high-speed evaporator defrost system is comprised of a defrost conduit circuit connected to the discharge line of one or more compressors and back to the suction header through an auxiliary reservoir capable of storing the entire refrigerant load of the refrigeration system. Auxiliary reservoir is at low pressure and is automatically flushed into the main reservoir when liquid refrigerant accumulates to a predetermined level. The auxiliary reservoir of the defrost circuit creates a pressure differential across the refrigeration coil of the evaporators sufficient to accelerate the hot high pressure refrigerant gas in the discharge line through the refrigeration coil of the evaporator to quickly defrost the refrigeration coil even at low compressor head pressures and wherein the pressure differential across the coil is in the range of from about 30 p.s.i. to 200 p.s.i.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Inventor: Serge Dube
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Patent number: 6089032Abstract: A kit and method for retrofitting an R-12 air conditioner into an R-134a air conditioner are provided. The kit includes a first pressurized container of R-134a lubricant or oil sufficient to fully charge an automobile air conditioner. Preferably, the first container also contains pressurized refrigerant 134a to act as a propellant to deliver the lubricant in aerosol form. A second pressurized container may also be provided containing a full charge of R-134a for an auto air conditioner. The kit includes a service port adapter, configured to be convertible to the service port of an automobile air conditioner wherein both the first and second containers may be hooked up to the auto air conditioner via the same service port adapter.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Interdynamics Inc.Inventor: Saul Trachtenberg
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Patent number: 6018952Abstract: The present invention provides A method for charging a refrigerant blend, when using as a refrigerant a non-azeotropic blend whose permissible range falls within 22 to 24% of difluoromethane, 23 to 27% of pentafluoroethane and 50 to 54% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, comprising adjusting a composition of non-azeotropic blend in a feeding container to the level of 23.5 to 24.0% of difluoromethane, 25.5 to 26.0% of pentafluoroethane and 50.0 to 51.0% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, discharging and transferring the non-azeotropic blend from the feeding container in liquid phase into another container in which a refrigerant is used so as to allow the composition change associated with the transfer to fall within the permissible range; and a method for producing a vapor compression refrigerating equipment.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Ide, Tatsumi Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 5996360Abstract: A refrigerant cycle system includes a gas-liquid separator for separating gas-liquid refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator has a liquid-suction pipe for introducing liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid separator to a decompressing unit, and a gas-suction pipe for introducing gas refrigerant from the gas-liquid separator to a compressor. The gas-suction pipe has a suction hole for sucking liquid refrigerant therein, and the suction hole is provided at a position lower than an open end of the liquid-suction pipe. Because a height of a surface of liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator is constantly equal to or higher than the open end of the liquid-suction pipe regardless of change in a heating load of the refrigerant cycle, liquid refrigerant is constantly sucked into the gas-suction pipe from the suction hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Masaya Tanaka, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Satoshi Itoh, Kunio Iritani
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Patent number: 5996362Abstract: The water heater modified from refrigeration machine or air condition is constructed by adding an apparatus for heat accumulation by means of water parallel to the condenser of the original system, this modified system can be controlled to work as an ordinary refrigeration machine or air conditioner, or to work simultaneously both as a refrigeration machine or air conditioner and also as a water heater, the advantages of this water heater are that it is obtained by a simple modification to the existing refrigeration machine or air conditioner, it can be installed at a remote distance convenienty without decreasing the effectiveness and the safety of the original system, and it can be operated to supply hot water without any additional energy consumption from what being consumed for supplying cold air by an original refrigeration machine or air conditioner itself.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventor: Pichit Likitcheva
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Patent number: 5974812Abstract: A vapor compression system having a compressor, condenser, receiver, evaporator, two liquid refrigerant tanks, a phase separator and a liquid refrigerant heat exchanger. The liquid refrigerant is pumped alternatively from one of the tanks through the heat exchanger using controlled valving such that there is no phase change and gaseous refrigerant is withdrawn by the compressor from the top of the phase separator.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventors: Lajos Katai, Lajos Katai, Jr., Zoltan Katai
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Patent number: 5937660Abstract: A quick cooling air conditioning system that preserves high pressure refrigerant, in a portion of the refrigerant path or in a dedicated reservoir, after the shutdown of the air conditioning compressor. The quick air cooling is achieved by the instant application of high pressure refrigerant to the evaporator at the start-up of the air conditioning system.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Inventors: Billy Ying Bui Lau, Shyh-Shyan Tung