Abstract: A heat exchanger (1) on the secondary heat source, which exchanges heat with a heat exchanger (12) on the primary heat source in a primary cooling circuit (A), is connected with an indoor heat exchanger (3) through a gas pipe (6) and a liquid pipe (7). A tank (T) storing a liquid cooling medium is connected at its lower end to the liquid pipe (7) and its upper end to a pressure adjustment mechanism (18). Check valves (CV1 and CV2) are disposed on both sides of the connecting point of the tank (T) with respect to the liquid pipe (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling different media which separately control the temperature of a plurality of chambers. A common refrigerant is used for cooling the different media.

Abstract: An air conditioning system in which each alternative refrigerant can be fully utilized so as to present as much as actual COP in comparison with the conventional HCFC22 and to achieve safe use as operating refrigerants.

Abstract: A desiccant assisted air conditioning apparatus incorporates an absorption heat pump device to produce improved operating efficiency. The heat pump device has circulation units 1 and 2, each of which includes an evaporator, an absorber, a generator and a condenser and heat exchangers provided by heat transfer pipe action. The absorber in unit 1 operates at a higher temperature than the absorber in the absorber in unit 2 so that heat transfer can occur through heat transfer pipes acting as heat exchangers between the first evaporator and the second absorber in the two units. The heat of condensation from units 1 and 2, as well as the heat of absorption from unit 1 are used to heat regeneration air for regenerating the desiccant. The heat of evaporation in unit 2 is utilized to produce chilled water for cooling the process air in the air conditioning apparatus.

Abstract: A cooling system for passively cooling an enclosure incorporating at least one inclined heat pipe having an evaporator side extending within the enclosure and a condenser side extending outside the enclosure in contact with the ambient environment. A thermal storage device within the enclosure is configured having a first portion extending adjacent the evaporator side of the heat pipe and a second portion extending within, and generally concentric with, the evaporator side of the heat pipe. A solid-to-liquid phase change material is sealed within this thermal storage device such that this material changes to a liquid upon the absorption of heat. To further enhance the transfer of heat from within the enclosure to outside the enclosure, a series of fins can be added to the first portion of the thermal storage device as well as to the condenser side of the heat pipe.

Abstract: An air conditioning system uses heat-pipes in combination with a cooling coil to increase either the dehumidification capacity or the efficiency and capacity of an air-conditioning system. In the dehumidification mode, the secondary cooling coil is inactive, and the heat pipes operate as a heat-exchanger between the warm return air and the cold supply air of the air conditioning system to precool the return air and reheat the supply air, increasing the latent capacity of the main cooling coil. In the efficiency and capacity boosting mode, the secondary cooling coil is activated by introducing a portion of the cooling fluid from the air-conditioning system. This results in a neutralization of the effect of the heat pipes as well as an increase in effective heat-exchange area between the cooling fluid and the air, therefore produces an increase in the capacity of the system.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus according to the present invention is composed of the combination of a chemical type refrigerating unit and a compression type heat pump. The chemical type compression unit includes reactors each having a reaction material accommodated therein and the reactors are provided with heat exchangers of the compression type heat pump. Further, heat exchangers of the compression type heat pump are provided with the condenser of the chemical type refrigerating unit. Heat of condensation produced in the condenser is recovered by the heat exchangers of the compression type heat pump and the heat exchangers of the reactors are selectively switched so that they are heated or cooled by the compression type heat pump.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus comprises a primary refrigeration circuit of the vapour compression type. Cooling is then provided at desired locations remote from the primary circuit using a secondary circuit containing carbon dioxide as a volatile secondary heat transfer substance. The carbon dioxide is liquified in secondary condenser (cooled by primary evaporator) and is circulated by circulation pump to expansion valves and cooling units at desired locations where it evaporates and provides cooling. The volume of possibly environmentally harmful refrigerant employed in the vapour compression primary circuit is minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of an air stream by chilling a cold storage material and warming a heat storage material by evaporation and condensation respectively from a fixed capacity refrigeration cycle, and selectively cooling and warming the air stream by controlled heat transfer from the cold and heat storage materials.

Abstract: A cooling system which is modular and capable of maintaining a variety of pre-selected temperatures for a plurality of liquids being dispensed and/or a plurality of spaces being air conditioned. A single refrigerator unit has a chilled glycol distribution line connected thereto and through which the chilled glycol is pumped. One or more cooler modules are tapped into the glycol distribution line at points wherever desired. The modules contain a low boiling refrigerant, a fluid tube carrying a relatively warm fluid (liquid or air), a cooling tube connected to the distribution line run and a flow control valve responsive to pressure changes in the module for permitting flow of chilled glycol thereinto and being adjustable to achieve the desired temperature of the fluid within the fluid tube.

Abstract: An air conditioning system uses heat-pipes in combination with a cooling coil to increase either the dehumidification capacity or the efficiency and capacity of an air-conditioning system. In the dehumidification mode, the secondary cooling coil is inactive, and the heat pipes operate as a heat exchanger between the warm return air and the cold supply air of the air conditioning system to precool the return air and reheat the supply air, increasing the latent capacity of the main cooling coil. In the efficiency and capacity boosting mode, the secondary cooling coil is activated by introducing a portion of the cooling fluid from the air-conditioning system. This results in a neutralization of the effect of the heat pipes as well as an increase in effective heat-exchange area between the cooling fluid and the air, therefore produces an increase in the capacity of the system.

Abstract: A refrigeration system associated with a conditioned space to be controlled to a predetermined set point temperature via heating and cooling cycles. The refrigeration system includes a fluid flow path through which a predetermined liquid is circulated. The fluid flow path includes a slush tank and first and second heat exchangers, with cryogen from a supply vessel being expanded into liquid disposed in the slush tank. The first heat exchanger is disposed to condition the air of the conditioned space, and the second heat exchanger is in heat exchange relation with heating apparatus. The first heat exchanger and slush tank are interconnected when the conditioned space requires a cooling cycle, and the first and second heat exchangers are interconnected when the conditioned space requires a heating cycle. Cryogen of the cryogenic cooling apparatus is thus not expended to heat the conditioned space, or for defrosting purposes.

Abstract: A regenerative type air conditioning equipment in which the available concentration range of a heat accumulating liquid is widened, and the quantity of the heat accumulating liquid to be stored is decreased, so that the size of the equipment is reduced, with the conditioning equipment comprises a concentration difference regeneration device which, at least, cools a medium fed to an air conditioner, using a condensate liquid and a concentrated liquid produced by vaporizing the heat accumulating liquid, and a heat pump device which cools a coolant due to adiabatic expansion. The concentration difference regeneration device includes a container with a chamber for storing the condensate liquid, a spray nozzle which sprays the condensate liquid into the condensate liquid chamber, and an evaporator which vaporizes the sprayed condensate liquid under a low pressure.

Abstract: A system for cooling employee and customer-occupied area of a commercial establishment of a type having an internal refrigerated inventory storage compartment includes a water reservoir located within the refrigerated compartment. Included is an assembly for continually supplying a portion of water from the reservoir to an input of a heat exchanger external of the refrigerated compartment. Further included is an assembly for, after circulation of water through the heat exchanger, return of the water to the water reservoir within the refrigerated compartment. The system also includes an assembly for inputting air external of the refrigerated compartment through the heat exchanger to transfer the air's thermal values to the circulated water. Further provided are a fan and ductwork sub-system for distributing resulting cooled air outputted from the heat exchanger to the employee and customer-occupied areas of the establishment.

Abstract: A dual cycle water chiller or refrigerating system including both a compression-type (mechanical) refrigerator unit and an absorption-type refrigerator unit; further, having a condenser so configured and arranged as to power the absorption cycle substantially entirely from the heat rejected from the compression cycle. The compression and absorption units share a common hermetic housing. Moreover, the system in accordance with the invention involves a dual circuit evaporator whose elements contain the fluid to be cooled for both the compression and absorption units, these elements being so arranged that the fluid to be cooled is acted upon first by the absorption unit, and then by the compression unit, thus optimizing the operational characteristics of each cycle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat pump comprising a vapor-compression refrigeration system wherein the heat pump evaporator extracts heat from a low temperature heat exchanger in the form of a water-immiscible fluid, and delivers the extracted heat to another location by means of a condenser. The water-immiscible fluid is maintained at a temperature of virtually 0.degree. C. by the injection of many small droplets of water that freeze to form beads of ice as they settle in the fluid. The beads can then be separated and delivered to a combined ice-water reservoir. The heat extracted from the water-immiscible fluid and the injected water droplets is replaced in the ice-water reservoir from natural heat sources, such as a ground loop, a solar panel or an air-water heat exchanger. The heat provided by the ice-water reservoir includes its latent heat of fusion, which acts as a buffer when heat demand exceeds the rate of heat available from natural sources.

Abstract: The invention consists of a cooling system that can be worn and travel with the person using the cooling system. Flexible inter-communicating containers (such as coils), are adapted to fit body contour and function as heat removers. The containers are incorporated into clothing, or applied directly to the body. Water under a vacuum in the containers boils at low temperature and removes body heat. Vapor generated by the boiling water re-condenses into water in a communicating portable cold container, which is cooled by portable ice packs, or by endothermic chemical reactants. The degree of cooling can be controlled by regulation of the degree of the communication between the the heat remover containers and the cold condenser container. The re-condensed water returns spontaneously to the heat remover containers by force of gravity. The cooling device can be incorporated into any object which forms a direct or an indirect contact with a person using the device, such as medical casts, and cold compresses.

Abstract: A heat pipe unit comprising a relatively thin box-shaped panel body in which coolant is charged, a heat-transfer pipe provided in an upper area in the panel body in which cooling fluid is fed and a device for guiding to an inner wall of the panel body the coolant liquified by the heat-transfer pipe.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat tube device through which a working fluid can be circulated to transfer heat to air in a conventional air conditioning system. The heat tube device is disposable about a conventional cooling coil of the air conditioning system and includes a plurality of substantially U-shaped tubes connected to a support structure. The support structure includes members for allowing the heat tube device to be readily positioned about the cooling coil. An actuatable adjustment device is connected to the U-shaped tubes for allowing, upon actuation thereof, for the heat tubes to be simultaneously rotated relative to the cooling coil for allowing the heat transfer from the heat tube device to air in the air conditioning system to be selectively varied.

Abstract: The heat exchanger located in an air-conditioning room adjourning the test room of a climatic test chamber for testing equipment and devices for their resistance to extremes of climate is equipped for producing rapid changes of test chamber air temperature towards extremes of cold and heat by means of a so called "tempering" heat transfer medium which boils or condenses in the heat exchanger in the air-conditioning room. The heat transfer loop of the tempering medium is designed to withstand pressures from a low value such a 0.1 bar to a high value such as 20 bar in order that the boiling point of the tempering medium may automatically rise and fall with the air temperature of the testing room while heat is transferred in one direction or the other in great quantity through a low temperature gradient at the boiling point temperature. For cooling, a condensate separator is included in the tempering medium loop and is cooled by the cooling loop of another cooling medium.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a variable thermal conductance is disclosed. The thermal conductance varies according to the absolute and relative temperatures between a high-temperature wall and a low-temperature wall. The heat exchanger includes an interior volume having a heat transfer medium therein. Fins extend from the low-temperature wall of the heat exchanger into the interior volume. The heat transfer medium in the fluid phase circulates over the fin surface area to transfer heat by convection and conduction from the high-temperature wall to the low-temperature wall. In the event the temperature of the heat transfer medium decreases, such as by a drop in the temperature of the low-temperature wall or by a decrease in heat flowing through the heat exchanger, a portion of the heat transfer fluid solidifies or freezes, which reduces the effective fin surface area and the circulation area. This reduces the thermal conductance of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The proposed cooler has the form of a thermal tube (1) with zones (2 and 3) for evaporation and condensation, respectively, and outer fins (4) in the zone (3). The cooler has a casing (5) open at one side to admit a flow of gas, the casing accommodating fins (4) so that ends thereof form with a wall of the casing (5) at the other side a cavity (A) to reverse the flow of gas. Adjacent fins (4) are hermetically connected into pairs (6), and form passages (7, 8) between each pair and inside each pair. Provided at the walls of the inner passages (8) is a capillary porous lining (9) ends of which are in contact with a liquid medium (10).

Abstract: A solid-state system and method for extracting heat from a given load which includes connecting a first diode heat pipe between an electrocaloric heating and cooling element and a load and a second diode heat pipe between the electrocaloric heating and cooling element and a heat sink. By appropriately pulsing the electrocaloric element to provide continuous heating and cooling thereof, heat may be continuously extracted from the load and through the two diode heat pipes to a heat sink.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The system in the present invention includes HVAC unit, such as an air-conditioner, having an evaporator coil, and a heat exchanger for drawing heat from air entering the inlet side of the air-conditioner evaporator and supplying heat to air at the outlet side of the air-conditioner evaporator. The heat exchanger is a phase change heat pipe-type heat exchanger, having a evaporator before the air-conditioning evaporator and a condenser after the air-conditioner evaporator.

Abstract: A heat exchanger adapted to be mounted as required in the freezing chamber of a refrigerator so as to effect a rapid freezing. The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger body constituted by a pair of plates bonded by rolling to each other, the plate being made of a material having a high heat conductivity, the heat exchanger body having at least a horizontal portion and a riser portion protruding upright from one end of the horizontal portion integrally therewith, a plurality of first refrigerant passages formed between the two plates of the horizontal portion, a plurality of second refrigerant passages formed between the two plates in the riser portion, and a refrigerant charged so as to be circulated through the first and second refrigerant passages. The heat exchanger is mounted such that the riser portion opposes to the source of the chilled air, so that the refrigerant evaporated in the horizontal portion is liquefied in the riser portion and returned again to the horizontal portion.

Abstract: A cooling system including a compression refrigeration unit and an absorption refrigeration unit, with the compression refrigeration unit including a compressor having a capacity control mechanism; a condenser for cooling and condensing a compressed refrigerant gas through a heat exchange between the refrigerant gas and a cooling medium circulated through the condenser; and an evaporator into which the condensed refrigerant is introduced through an expansion means so as to be evaporated and cool a medium by the latent heat derived from evaporation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring heat. A pair of closed loop heat transfer loops each includes a refrigerant, a condenser to remove heat from the refrigerant, and an evaporator which adds heat to the refrigerant from its associated heat source. Each loop also includes a chamber of a compressor which has a free piston common to both chambers. One of the chambers is located above the other so that in one of the two cycles of operation, thermal energy from a heat source of the loop including the upper chamber evaporates liquified refrigerant collected in a collector of the loop in the previous cycle of operation which vapor together with gravity acting on the free piston cause the piston to compress vaporized refrigerant of the other loop in the lower chamber. This compressed refrigerant is condensed by loss of heat to an associated heat sink and is collected in the collector of its loop.

Abstract: A thermally powered heat transfer system consisting of two closed heat transfer loops which share a compressor which is alternately powered by the refrigerants of the two loops. This system is powered by two heat sources having different temperatures of which the lower temperature heat source may be the heat within a structure to be cooled. An evaporator of the first loop located within the structure to be cooled is charged with a low boiling point refrigerant while an evaporator of the second loop is heated by a higher temperature heat source and is charged with a higher boiling point refrigerant. The heat sinks of the loops are at temperatures between those of the two heat sources. Controls are activated at the completion of each compressor stroke, or cycle, to alternately open and close valves which regulate vapor and liquid flows to cause the compressor to act with compressive force upon one or the other refrigerant vapor during each cycle of operation of the system to effect useful heat transfer.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit formed of compartments at different temperatures, separately regulated, comprising a refrigerant circuit equipped with a single motor-compressor, and composed of a primary circuit comprising a capillary tube and several evaporators, and a secondary circuit with a condenser and an evaporator, the condenser forming part of a heat exchanger with one of the primary circuit evaporators, and the evaporator, by a thermal valve effect, cooling the freezer compartment of the unit.

Abstract: An absorption type refrigeration system includes a main flow circuit, a first and a second auxiliary flow circuit. The main flow circuit includes a refrigerant generator containing a solution of evaporable refrigerant in a less evaporable solvent which is heated by solar energy. Pressurized vapor phase refrigerant is supplied to a main condenser and thence to a main evaporator and back to an absorber in which a low refrigerant content solution from the generator is converted to a high refrigerant content solution which is pumped to the generator for recirculation. An electrically driven compressor supplies vapor phase refrigerant through the first auxiliary flow circuit including a condenser, a diaphragm-operated expansion valve, and a first auxiliary evaporator which is arranged to cool the main condenser.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling at least one semiconductor component, including a convection heat exchanger thermally coupled to the component and a refrigeration cycle thermally coupled to the heat exchanger and including a compressor, a condenser, a collector, an expansion valve and an evaporator. The evaporator is coupled in series with the heat exchanger to form a coolant cycle for recooling of the coolant. At least one fan is provided for forcibly ventilating the convection heat exchanger. The condenser of the refrigeration cycle is installed in the heat exchanger whereby the fan serves also to cool the condenser. A coolant, in particular trifluortrichlorethane (C.sub.2 F.sub.3 Cl.sub.3), having a boiling point below the wall temperature of the semiconductor component being cooled is used.

Abstract: A two-stage refrigeration system including a primary cooling circuit which may be of the mechanical, vapor-compression type and a secondary closed system which is limited to an evaporator, located in the product storage area, a condenser and the necessary interconnecting conduits. The two circuits are operatively linked by a heat exchanger located outside the product storage area. The heat exchanger serves as the evaporator of the primary, caustic refrigerant system, and as the condenser of the secondary, relatively safe, volatile refrigerant system. Means are provided to prevent the refrigerant of the primary circuit from entering the secondary circuit in the event of heat exchange leakage. The heat exchanger design as well as the primary circuit control permits a rapid response to changes in temperature in the product storage area without requirement of controls on the secondary side of the system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for utilizing the earth as a heat source and heat sink for heating and cooling buildings are disclosed. Flexible material such as hollow plastic or metal foil bags which can be buried in deep, narrow trenches are draped over and clamped to heat transfer fluid conduits or conventional heat pipes vastly increasing the heat transfer surface area serving the conduits or heat pipes. The heat pipe bags contain a heat transfer fluid and can contain wicks which are in heat transfer communication with the heat transfer fluid conduits or other heat pipes. The plastic or metal of the heat pipe bag similarly enclosed the wick forming a closed, sealed system which can also include the conduit or heat pipe. Such conduit-heat pipe bag combination can be used in combination with conventional heat pumps to both heat and cool buildings.

Abstract: A cooling system particularly suitable for use in the air-conditioning of buildings is described. The system includes:(a) A cooling zone containing a conduit for cooling fluid, the conduit encountering the heat load, means in the conduit for propelling the fluid through the conduit, and cooling fluid in the conduit;(b) A refrigeration zone containing a closed refrigeration circuit for refrigerant, chiller means in the circuit for extracting energy from the refrigerant, means for circulating refrigerant in the circuit and refrigerant in the circuit; and(c) Collection means connected to the refrigeration zone for removing energy extracted by the chiller.The cooling and refrigeration zones are connectable through a heat exchanger for transfer of energy between the fluid and the refrigerant and the refrigerant comprises a slurry of ice and water which may be partly stored in a reservoir constituting part of the refrigeration zone.

Abstract: A ventilating system including a heat exchanger utilizing boiling and condensation of a liquid mounted in a cabinet formed with a first air passage and a second air passage by a partition plate extending horizontally across the heat exchanger substantially in the center thereof. At least one air sucking and exhausting fan is mounted in one of the first and second air passages, and the heat exchanger is provided with at least one auxiliary heat exchanger operative to perform space cooling or space heating. The first and second air passages are each provided with ventilating ports for effecting heat recovery, ventilating ports for effecting cooling by ventilation and a ventilating port for allowing cooled air or heated air to flow therethrough, so that the ventilating system can be operated in a heat recovery mode, a cooling by ventilation mode and a space cooling or space heating mode by actuating the auxiliary heat exchanger and suitably opening and closing various ventilating ports.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling the recycled air of a self-contained closed loop breathing apparatus having a tank of high pressure breathable gas such as oxygen includes a heat sink located inside the tank, a heat exchange element located outside the tank in the stream of recycled air, and a heat pipe extending through one end closure of the tank providing heat communication between the heat exchanger element and said heat sink.

Abstract: Heat exchange is effected in a simple and economical manner by allowing natural flow, i.e., without mechanical compressors, pumps, etc., of a heat exchange fluid such as a conventional refrigerant liquid between two heat exchangers which are exposed to air at different temperatures. The two heat exchangers, which may conveniently take the form of fin-tube heat exchangers, for example, are arranged with one end at a higher elevation than the other, the upper ends of the two exchangers being connected in direct communication and the lower ends being likewise connected.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a primary refrigerating system and a secondary refrigerating system in heat-exchanging contact with each other. The secondary refrigerating system is connected to a reservoir containing a control gas getter which can be heated to vary the amount of free control gas in the secondary refrigerating system and thereby to control the temperature of the secondary refrigerating system. The reservoir includes an initially breakable seal for aiding in assembling the reservoir to the secondary refrigerating system.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprising a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment which refrigerator is provided with a primary refrigerating system containing a refrigerant with a primary evaporator disposed in the freezing compartment, and a secondary refrigerating system which also contains a refrigerant with a secondary evaporator disposed in the refrigerating compartment, and a secondary condensor which is in heat-exchanging contact with the primary evaporator, which condensor has a condensation wall on whose surface the refrigerant condenses during operation, means being provided for varying the available condensation wall area, so as to control the temperature of the secondary evaporator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the earth or other heat source/heat sink for heating and cooling buildings are disclosed. The system comprises at least one heat transfer fluid conduit and at least one heat pipe in heat transfer communication. When two conduits are employed a dual cycle system for heating and cooling is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, upper and lower heat transfer fluid conduits containing a first heat transfer fluid are connected by heat pipes containing a second heat transfer fluid, the two fluids being isolated from one another. The heat pipes are preferably sealed plastic tubes with hollow metal end caps at each end. The metal end caps on the heat pipes are positioned in the circulation pipes so as to have sufficient contact with the recirculatory fluid in the respective heat transfer fluid conduits to transfer heat to and from such fluid.

Abstract: An air conditioning system has an evaporative cooler and a refrigerated cooler connected to a common duct connecting both of the coolers to a cooled space. A space thermostat senses space temperature of the cooled space and initiates cooling responsive thereto. A cooler selection control selects one of the coolers for cooling the cooled space responsive to the relative humidity and temperature of air outside the cooled space. The selection control delays starting of the refrigerated cooler a cool down period after the initiation of cooling. With the evaporative cooler employed in a system with, or in a system without, the refrigerated cooler, the evaporative fan is started a wetting period after the starting of the evaporative pump of the evaporative cooler to wet the evaporative pads. Additionally an exhaust vent opens when the evaporative fan of the evaporative cooler is operating and closes when the evaporative fan is stopped.

Abstract: A combined environmental and refrigeration system for use in a supermarket or the like includes a plurality of environmental and refrigeration modules and controllable air flow dampers to provide selected air flow modes to a conditioned space. Each module includes a hot deck compartment having a fan and the condenser portion of a refrigeration system to heat an air flow through the hot deck compartment, and a cold deck compartment having the evaporator portion of an air conditioning system to cool the air supplied to the conditioned space. At least a portion of the condenser in one of the hot deck compartments is provided to sub-cool the refrigeration system working fluid.The various fans, evaporators, condensers, and dampers are controlled by suitable control means to provide a conditioned space dehumidification mode, and a plurality of conditioned space cooling and heating modes.

Abstract: A "coldness-storage" unit for use in a refrigeration storage and cooling tank system for nighttime coolant storage while providing for subsequent daytime cooling. The "coldness-storage" unit has a closed tank which includes a plurality of cans containing a liquid material which freezes at a temperature below room temperature. The outer surface of the cans are coated with a wicking surface and the tank includes a condensable liquid such as butane, which vaporizes to fill the unoccupied space in the tank with butane vapor. The ends of the wick covered cans touch the butane so that the butane wets the wicks. A refrigerator/compressoris operated to cool condensation coils in the tank. The butane vapors in the unoccupied space condense on the condensation coils giving off heat to the refrigerator/compressor coils which lowers the vapor pressure within the tank.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit for providing both heating and cooling employing two, closed circuit, mechanical vapor compression systems operatively connected by an indirect heat exchanger positioned between the discharge of the compressor and the condenser of a first cooling system, the exchanger also serving as the evaporator in the second heating system.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker includes a heat pipe in the form of a sealed tube containing a refrigerant which extends from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment of a household refrigerator. Positioned within the heat pipe and located intermediate the freezer and fresh food compartment is a valve preferably in the form of a steel ball which is periodically unseated from an annular valve seat by a rotating magnet actuator mechanism. The portion of the heat pipe within the fresh food compartment is positioned within a water reservoir and is also insulated but for an ice-making surface thereof. When the check valve of the heat pipe is open, heat transfer thereto to the freezer compartment is enhanced to cause a clear ice cube to be formed on the uninsulated ice-making surface of the submersed heat pipe. When the check valve closes, the heat of the surrounding water will harvest the ice cube by releasing same to float to the top of the reservoir for collection and storage by conventional means.

Abstract: A chilling system advances products through a conveying tube and simultaneously chills the products using the fluid-conveying medium itself. Conveyance is effected through hydraulic pressure without the application of direct mechanical forces to the products whereby to minimize the instances of damage thereto, and product advancement is carried out on a continuous, first-in, first-out basis with a uniform, readily predictable rate of discharge.

Abstract: A heat transfer device comprising a liquid having a low boiling point and a non-condensable gas, said liquid and said gas being charged in a vessel, said vessel being separated into a heating section and a cooling section by means of an adiabatic member to cause said liquid to boil at temperatures above a desired temperature.In the heat transfer device, a great amount of heat is transferred at temperatures above a desired temperature by causing vapor bubbles to transfer from said heating section to said cooling section, said bubbles resulting from boiling of said liquid, while no heat transfer is effected between the aforesaid two sections at temperatures below the desired temperatures.The heat transfer device is suited for use in such apparatuses or machines which require a thermal valving function, especially for use in a refrigerator.

Abstract: A heat transfer device comprises two kinds of liquid having different boiling points and specific gravities, said two kinds of liquid being not mutually dissolvable and charged in a vessel so as to form two layers therein in superimposed relation to each other. In the heat transfer device, a large amount of heat is transferred at temperatures above a certain temperature but unidirectionally, while no heat transfer is effected at temperatures below the aforesaid certain temperature. The heat transfer device is suited for use in such apparatus or machines which require a thermally valving function, especially for use in a refrigerator.