Abstract: The present invention includes a heat storage tank (1) with a built-in suction chamber (2), a first heat source unit (R-1) and a first pump (P-1) for pumping up water from the high-temperature side (3) of said heat storage tank (1) and supplying the chilled water into said suction chamber (2), a low-temperature heat exchanger (5) for exchanging heat between water and an antifreeze solution, a second pump (P-2) for pumping up water from said suction chamber (2) and supplying the water chilled by the antifreeze solution in said low-temperature heat exchanger (5) to the low-temperature side (4) of said heat storage tank (1) and a second heat source unit (R-2) and a third pump (P-3) for cooling the antifreeze solution in an antifreeze solution tank (6) and feeding it to said low-temperature heat exchanger (5), and is designed to variably control the flow rates of said first and second pumps (P-1 and P-2) in dependence upon their suction temperatures.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus for use in refrigeration and air conditioning holdover systems is disclosed. The apparatus comprises thermal energy storage media encapsulated in a way that enables use of corrosive and/or aqueous thermal energy storage media in high efficiency refrigeration and air conditioning thermal storage systems; natural convection of a non-freezing, non-corrosive heat exchange fluid provides heat transfer between the encapsulated thermal energy storage media and the refrigeration/air conditioning circuit. Several possible embodiments of the encapsulated media and thermal coupling system that provide efficient heat transfer between the refrigeration circuit and the thermal energy storage media are described.

Abstract: An eutectic beam which includes a plastic housing, an eutectic solution in the housing, and an evaporator tube in the eutectic solution having ends which extend outside the housing. The ends of the evaporator tube are adapted for connection to a refrigeration system. The evaporator tube is formed of copper having a thin protective coating on its outer surface formed of plastic, which is preferably a two component, filled epoxy resin system. The housing, in a preferred embodiment, is formed of a plastic, such as polyethylene, filled with a filler material selected to increase the thermal conductivity and thus the efficiency of the eutectic beam. In still another preferred embodiment, the filler material is also selected to increase both the electrical and thermal conductivity of the housing, with the housing including electrodes for electrically heating the housing to remove frost and ice build-up.

Abstract: A chill water system combining a storage vessel 10, a multiplicity of ice encapsulating units 11 contained in the vessel and a chiller system 60. The vessel contains a volume of glycol and water solution having a freezing point about twenty six degrees F. The ice encapsulating units 11 comprise sealed containers filled with deionized water and having a volume 131 of powdered cholesterol therein to serve as an ice nucleating agent to lower the initial ice formation temperature of the unit. The containers have imperfect geometric deformable wall structures to permit an increase in enclosed volume as said water therein freezes. Chiller system 60 is operatively associated with the vessel and cools the glycol and water solution to about twenty six degrees to freeze the water in the containers 11. A topping tank 90 and an inventory tank 93 receive liquid from the storage vessel 10 as the ice encapsulating units 11 freeze and expand in volume.

Abstract: A thermal storage device interacting with a circulating coolant in an air conditioning system is disclosed. The thermal storage device includes a hollow ball containing a liquid to be frozen by the circulating coolant. A generall ball-shaped flexible air pocket is disposed in the hollow ball. An elongated weight member has one end connected to the air pocket and the other end extended to the internal face of the hollow ball, so that the center of the air pocket can be kept in the geometrical center of the hollow ball. The elongated weight member has a predetermined weight so that the total weight of the hollow ball, the air pocket and the elongated weight member is greater than the buoyancy force exerted on the hollow ball by the recirculating coolant. Therefore, the thermal storage device can always be submerged in the recirculating coolant and thus achieve a good heat transfer effect.

Abstract: A thermal storage apparatus comprises a series of stacked heat exchange modules. Each module extends horizontally and comprises channels separated by corrugations. Each channel has underneath it a heat exchange fluid pipe through which a primary or secondary coolant circulates. An inlet pipe delivers the phase change medium, for example water, to the lower most module from which it circulates to the top of the apparatus. The modules are stacked by the wall of a module engaging a groove of the next module above it.

Abstract: A thermal transport device having a hollow within which a plasma storage freezer is deployed. The freezer acts as a cold "battery" by having a eutectic fluid contained therewithin. The freezer is placed in a commercial, powered refrigeration unit for chilling ("charging") the eutectic fluid of the plasma storage freezer to approximately -30.degree. C. The freezer is then deployed within the thermal transport device and sent to a remote locale for collecting blood plasma. Blood plasma is disposed between a central heat sink and lateral heat sinks of the freezer freezing the blood plasma quickly and maintaininig its initial high quality because of negligible time loss for freezing. Ultimately, the device is returned to a commercial powered refrigeration unit for ("recharging") rechilling the eutectic fluid for subsequent reuse.

Abstract: An electric thermal storage heater with a heat storage brick assembly enclosed within an insulating sheath and an outer shell or housing; there is a space between the outer shell and the insulating sheath through which low temperature air is passed; the brick assembly has air flow openings therethrough into which the electric heating elements may be slipped during installation, and the openings communicate with entrance and exit passages which supply air to and through the brick assembly; air valving is provided to close and modulate the air flowing through the brick assembly and through the low temperature air path; the heating elements maintain the temperature of the bricks between 500.degree. F. and 1300.degree. F., depending upon the expected heating load; and air ducts and a fan move air from the storage heater to the duct system of a heat pump or similar forced air heating device.

Abstract: A cooling vessel for beverages that has an inner wall surrounded by an outer wall that is spaced therefrom to form a chamber that is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant functions to insulate the interior of the vessel from its outer walls, thus keeping its contents cold and keeping condensation off the outer surface of the vessel. The cooling vessel may be made of heavy plastic material that makes it unbreakable even after quick temperature changes. The cooling vessel may be designed to have the outer configuration of a mug, a glass, a pitcher, a baby bottle, etc.

Abstract: A system for cooling comestibles is provided in multiple tiers of relatively shallow trays or receptacles vertically spaced apart at close intervals and mounted in a rack, in combination with one or more hollow wands containing refrigerant. Each wand is configured to have a longitudinally grooved immersible section which is insertible through narrow spaces between trays into material to be chilled. A reservoir for refrigerant extends from one end of the wand to the other. The wand can be periodically or continuously manipulated in twirling, revolving and translating motions which simultaneously mix the food and agitate the refrigerant so that the refrigerant circulates within the interior of the wand and quickly cools the food.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for use in motor vehicles to provide immediate cooling, or for use in buildings to provide local area cooling or a reduction in peak energy demand. The apparatus comprises a reservoir which is composed of a plurality of separate containers, each containing water and a gas capable of forming a gas hydrate with the water at a transition temperature above 32.degree. F. Also, at least one movable member is positioned in each container, which serves to facilitate the formation of the gas hydrate at or below the transition temperature. In one specific embodiment, the reservoir is positioned in the circulating air duct in a motor vehicle, so as to permit immediate cooling air flow upon the entry of an occupant. In another embodiment, the reservoir is part of an air conditioning unit which is able to provide cooling in local areas of a building, and to transfer the cooling power load to off-peak hours.

Abstract: A cooling and heating system includes a heating chamber in which is disposed a heater element on the bottom of a cooling and heat accumulating chamber, multiple convection current suppression layers, and a cooling chamber in which is disposed a cooling coil on the top of the chamber to enable alternate circulation through the cooling and heat accumulating chamber, the cooling chamber being connected to air mixers which in turn communicate with feed and recovery ducts to thereby form a circulation circuit. By use of air flowing between the solid cooling and heat accumulating materials, cooling accumulation and cooling radiation or heat accumulation and heat radiation can be formed by downward cooling or upward heating through the cooling and heat accumulating chamber.

Abstract: A latent heat storage tank is filled with antifreeze solution such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, calcium chloride and a plurality of bundles of cylindrical latent heat containers in the form of tubes or pipes which float perpendicularly to the antifreeze surface. The antifreeze solution is circulated by a refrigerator provided outside the latent heat storage tank. Each cylindrical latent heat container contains water or other liquid which is cooled to become ice by said antifreeze solution which has been cooled by said refrigerator driven by inexpensive night time electric power.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a container having a top and bottom or two-part form, the outer shell of the container is made of a shock-resistant thermoplastic material having a maximum possible deterrent to heat transfer. The interior of the container on each part thereof contains an envelope containing the freezable gel which is sealed and made of a stiff plastic material which generally holds its form even when the gel therein is unfrozen. The envelope on each side is spaced from the interior wall of the outer casings in both instances to provide an air barrier within which moisture within the barrier has been removed to the maximum extent possible. The gel within the frozen envelopes can be placed in a frozen state by various methods. The two portions of the container may be joined together either by a hinged element along one side of the corresponding locking mechanism on the opposite side or by a plurality of locking mechanisms on at least two opposite sides of the container.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for liquids comprising a liquid container internally divided by an impervious flexible membrane into first and second liquid compartments, the first compartment including first liquid inlet port adapted for connection to a supply of liquid and a first liquid outlet port and the second compartment including second liquid inlet and outlet ports; a first liquid pathway extending between the first liquid outlet port and the second liquid inlet port; apparatus associated with the first liquid pathway for changing the level of heat energy in the liquid; and apparatus associated with the first liquid pathway for generating liquid flow therealong from the first liquid outlet port to the second liquid inlet port.

Abstract: An improved refrigerated beverage carrier is provided to fit into a bicycle water bottle cage. The beverage carrier is comprised of a hollow, low density plastic flask having a mouth for dispensation of a beverage at one end and a central axial opening at the opposite end. A sealed, hollow, low density plastic core is inserted into the central axial opening of the flask. The core has a blind end located within the flask and an access end adapted to receive refrigerant at the central axial opening. The core is filled with a refrigerant, such as a mixture of propylene glycol and water, and is sealed to the flask by ultrasonic welding. Ultrasound is applied to an end plate having a pair of concentric annular sealing rings. The innermost annular sealing ring, when welded, forms a fluid tight seal with the core, while the outermost sealing ring, when welded, forms a fluid tight seal with the flask.

Abstract: A latent heat regenerating apparatus includes a regenerative tank wherein a latent heat regenerative material is housed. The material has a phase transition temperature and a supercooling-release temperature and is capable of maintaining a supercooled-state in a temperature range between the temperatures. A thermoelectric cooling element is located in the regenerative material so as to control supercooling of the material. The element has a heat radiating portion for radiating heat into the material and a heat absorbing portion for absorbing heat from the material, thereby cooling that portion of the material near the absorbing portion to a temperature lower than the supercooling-release temperature.

Abstract: Tubular containers, preferably corrugated, containing plural thermal storage medium compositions having different fusion temperatures are arrayed in zones or layers within a vessel through which liquid is circulated to exchange heat with the containers.

Abstract: A cold preserving container including an inner box forming a heat insulating chamber, an outer box, heat insulating material between the boxes, a cooling evaporating tube disposed on the outer surface of the inner box, and a cold accumulator enclosing a cold regenerative material and disposed between the evaporating tube and the heat insulating material. The cold accumulator directly contacts the evaporating tube substantially without any air therebetween and thus can be cooled rapidly and efficiently by the tube. The cold accumulator is disposed between the boxes, and thus its capacity can be easily increased, thereby increasing the cold preserving time of the container.

Abstract: A cold preserving container including a goods container space, a dish-like member above the space, a cold accumulator enclosing a cold regenerative material and disposed in the dish-like member, a heat insulating wall forming an air path between the wall and the dish-like member, and a blower circulating air between the air path and the goods container space. The cold accumulator cools the air in the disk-like member, the cooled air can fall down into the goods container space and circulate between the space and the air path by driving the blower. Since the cooling of the air in the space is controlled by the drive control of the blower, the temperature of the inside air can be easily controlled and maintained at the desired temperature despite variations in outside air temperatures.

Abstract: A plurality of generally rectangular PCM (phase-change material) containers for use in a TES (thermal energy storage) system wherein each container is shaped to lock-support at least one pair of superimposed adjacent containers so that each row of containers is offset from each other. In one embodiment each container is cross-sectioned in the general shape of a bow tie or an hour glass so that there is a recessed or depressed portion in the top and the bottom of the container running the full length thereof. Further, the top and bottom surface material of each container is shaped in the form of an undulating wave pattern that extends in the longitudinal direction parallel to the long axes of the aforementioned depressed portions, and the node portions of which are provided with grooves or flow channels which extend in a lateral dimension, normal to the long axes, so as to circumscribe the container.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for use in motor vehicles to provide immediate cooling, or for use in buildings to provide local area cooling or a reduction in peak energy demand. The apparatus comprises a reservoir which is composed of a plurality of separate containers, each containing water and a gas capable of forming a gas hydrate with the water at a transition temperature above 32.degree. F. Also, at least one movable member is positioned in each container, which serves to facilitate the formation of the gas hydrate at or below the transition temperature. In one specific embodiment, the reservoir is positioned in the circulating air duct in a motor vehicle, so as to permit immediate cooling air flow upon the entry of an occupant. In another embodiment, the reservoir is part of an air conditioning unit which is able to provide cooling in local areas of a building, and to transfer the cooling power load to off-peak hours.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle including a cold-accumulation material to be cooled comprises main evaporator for generating cold air to cool a refrigerator compartment, a cold-accumulation evaporator to cool the cold-accumulation material, a flowpath switching device, such as a three-way electromagnetic valve, to change the refrigerant flowpath between a first refrigerant flowpath to the main evaporator and a second refrigerant flowpath to the cold-accumulation evaporator respectively, and a refrigerant supply device, such as a compressor, a condenser, and a capillary tube connected in series, to supply refrigerant to the main evaporator and the cold-accumulation evaporator through the flowpath switching device. The outlet of the cold-accumulation evaporator is connected to the inlet of the evaporator to let the refrigerant which has not completely evaporated in the cold-accumulation evaporator flow into the main evaporator.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for storing energy and for utilizing the stored energy. The apparatus includes a storage container which holds a phase change energy storage material such as water. A plurality of coils are disposed in the storage container and carry a refrigerant material. At least one evaporator is connected to the coils. A self pumping apparatus is connected to a condensing unit, to the evaporator and to the coils, and is operated by the adiabatic conversion of refrigerant from its liquid state to a vapor plus liquid state. The self pumping apparatus thus moves the refrigerant fluid to the evaporator without the need for additonal energy input. The self pumping apparatus includes a pair of tanks each of which alternately operate as a pumper and as an accumulator during ice melting. During ice freezing, both containers operate as accmulators.

Abstract: A refrigerated container is provided made from fibrous mat reinforced thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, a condiment holder is provided with a top plate which includes a plurality of openings extending along the plate for supporting individual condiment containers within the holder, the plate having formed thereon a layer of frost thereby giving the appearance of the condiments resting in ice. The condiment holder comprises a conventional refrigeration unit which passes refrigerant through refrigerant lines encased in the top plate adjacent each and every one of the plate openings thereby producing the frost or ice layer along the top surface of the plate and providing a refrigerated storage area below the top plate within the condiment holder to maintain the individual condiments refrigerated. In another embodiment, a chill tank, freezer tank or the like for use in the boating industry is provided having refrigerant lines encased in the fibrous mat reinforced thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A container includes a closed variable-volume container body, and a central stem secured in the container body. The central stem generally extends along the axis of the container body and has a plurality of branches generally extending radially outwardly from its full length. When the container body is filled with water and cooled, the central stem serves as a core on which ice deposits so that the temperature at which the water begins to solidify is raised.

Abstract: A system for ice storage provides time offset cooling to a cooling system. A tank defines a storage chamber including inlet and outlet ports through which circulates a heat transfer medium, and a plurality of buoyant panels filled with a storage medium are arranged for receiving, storing, and releasing thermal energy carried by the heat transfer medium. As the phase of the storage medium changes, flow paths past the panels are progressively occluded or widened. In a preferred embodiment, each panel is formed of a thin film material, such as a PVC plastic, with opposing sides of the panel fused together at discrete points to define a quilted bag-like structure having a defined maximum thickness and a generally undulating outer surface which allows passage of the transfer medium between adjacent bags. Granular ballast at the bottom of each bag maintains alignment and prevents thermal creeping. Bouyant spacers at the top define a self-aligning array.

Abstract: A beverage cooler apparatus is set forth wherein a hollowed walled container has a removable plug positioned within a recess through a bottom portion thereof enabling introduction of a freezeable fluid within the hollow walls of said container. Optionally a coiled spring may be positioned within the hollow interior of the beverage core apparatus for securement of an associated beverage container in use with non-hardening cooling gels or subsequent to thawing of a freezeable fluid within the hollow walls.

Abstract: A server for displaying and keeping cool wine bottles and the like includes a generally cylindrical housing open at the top for receiving a bottle, wherein the side wall of the housing generally conforms to and surrounds the side exterior of the bottle. A bottom wall is joined at its perimeter to the side wall to form a receptacle for housing ice in contact with the side wall. A support structure is positioned within the housing above the bottom wall to hold a bottle above and out of contact with the ice, with the support structure including an opening to allow placement of ice into the receptacle through the top opening of the housing. At least one-half of the area of the side wall is made of a heat conductive material and the remaining area of the side wall is made of a substantially transparent material to enable viewing the interior of the server.

Abstract: An insulated beverage container having both hot and cold retention capabilities designed for the purpose of maintaining, increasing, or decreasing the temperature of the contents in the container. The plastic structure of the container, an insulating sleeve between duel walls of the container, and encapsuled between the dual walls, a thermoplastic gel capable of retaining heat as well as cold, produces a multi-action container which can be heated in a microwave oven, a conventional oven, or can be frozen in a freezer. The hot-cold embodiment is available in the form of pitchers as well as cups and mugs and is also dishwasher safe. A second styrofoam embodiment of the invention structured as a can or bottle holder has inner walls containing a cold insulation medium which can be refrigerated or frozen and is designed to maintain or decrease the temperature of the contents in the held can or bottle for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicle includes a cooler cooled in a cooling circuit which includes a compressor, a heat exchanger located in the vicinity of the cooler, a thermal storage tank connected with the heat exchanger via a heat transfer passage, a pump provided in said heat transfer passage, a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature TO in close proximity to of the cooler, a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature TC of the storage tank, and a third sensor for detecting the temperature TR in the car interior, and a heat transfer type partition wall can be integrally provided between a cooling flowing passage of the cooler and a fluid passage of the heat exchanger. The air conditioner for the vehicle serves to cause said pump to be operated to permit cooling energy to be stored when TC is greater then TO and TR is lower than a set value, and to cause said pump to be operated to permit said cooling energy to be radiated when TR is higher than the set value.

Abstract: A fan air cooler for attachment to a conventional electric fan consists of a grid of spaced strips filled with a frozen fluid material. The strips may have spaced fluid sacks which may resemble ice cubes. The connecting strips between the fluid filled sacks may comprise plastic strips, fluid filled tubes or helical fluid filled tubes. A top marginal portion of the grid is provided with grommets for receipt over hooks which are secured to a top edge of the fan housing. The hooks may be attached to the fan housing magnetically, adhesively or by VELCRO. In addition to cooling air by passing the air between the frozen fluid filled strips, the fan air cooler also cools the air by virtue of thermodynamic expansion of the air through spaced air passage apertures.

Abstract: There is provided an improved energy storage system which includes a tank for holding water or eutectic material and housing a plurality of coils. The coils are connected to a condensing unit and to an evaporating unit which is positioned in the space to be temperature conditioned. The condensing unit supplies refrigerant to the coils for solidifying the material in the container during a first time period, thus storing energy. During a second time period, the coils in the tank supply refrigerant to the evaporating unit while the condensing unit is not in use. The condensing unit may also supply refrigerant directly to the evaporating unit without substantially reducing the energy already stored in the container during a third time period.

Abstract: A latent heat-storage device for cooling purposes includes a non-deformable closed container, and a heat-storage medium comprising water or a eutectic aqueous solution of a salt contained in the container. The heat-storage medium expands in volume as its temperature is lowered through its phase transition from fluid to solid. The amount of the heat-storage medium is such that a part of the container volume equals or is slightly larger than the maximum volume expansion of the heat-storage medium during operation of the device. A gas condensing between room temperature and the melting temperature of the heat-storage medium fills the container part at atmospheric pressure and room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for peak shaving for a conventional air conditioning system. Heat energy is removed from an energy storage medium during periods of low power consumption and then the storage medium is used to absorb heat energy from the refrigerant during periods of peak energy consumption.

Abstract: A refrigerator for vehicles has a cooling unit and a cool-keeping container adapted to be detachably connected to the cooling unit and contain goods to be cooled. The cooling unit includes a refrigerator evaporator connected to a refrigeration cycle of an automotive airconditioning refrigeration cycle on a vehicle and a coldness accumulating medium supported in heat exchange relationship with the evaporator. During evaporator operation, the coldness is accumulated in the coldness-accumulating medium and simultaneously transferred to the goods in the cool-keeping container. When the goods are cooled to a desired temperature, the cool-keeping container can be disconnected from the cooling unit and taken out of the vehicle with a heat insulating lid closing an opening formed in the container for the insertion and removal of the goods into and out of the container.

Abstract: In a process of defrosting an evaporator of a refrigeration system used for refrigeration or as a heat pump, the refrigerant circuit leading from the compressor to the condenser and from the latter through a throttle valve and the evaporator back to the compressor is altered and the refrigerant delivered by the compressor is supplied to the evaporator and caused to by-pass the condenser. The refrigerant is used as a heat source for a heat accumulator during normal operation and the heat accumulator is used as a heat source for the refrigerant during a defrosting operation.

Abstract: A multi-mode off-peak storage heat pump system for a building which includes a unidirectional flow refrigerant circuit and a brine circuit in selective heat exchange relation with one another, each being connected to a dual coil in ducts wherein air can be circulated within and between the inside and outside of the building, and an ice bank in the brine circuit for coolness and low-level heat storage, the system providing heating and cooling with no refrigerant reversing valves or coil defrost means and with optimum off-peak power utilization.

Abstract: Cooling beverages by the addition of ice cubes, dilutes the beverage as the ice melts. The present device comprises an insulated container having a low freezing temperature material such as a liquid or semi-liquid, sealed therein. A pouring funnel is provided at the upper end of the container with a spiral conduit extending from the funnel, downwardly through the liquid or material, to a discharge at the base. When frozen, a beverage can be poured into the funnel portion and flows downwardly through the conduit being cooled by the material within the container and surrounding the conduit. The liquid then discharges at the base at a relatively lower temperature. A valve can be provided in the base for controlling the retention time, if desired.

Abstract: A portable refrigerated unit for a beverage container such as, for example a soft drink can or bottle includes an outer case having two hinged together the mating halves. A refrigerant pack consists of two separate refrigerant cartridges each formed with a container receiving cavity which are removably installed in mating halves of the outer case. When a beverage container is installed in the cavities of the cartridges and the case is closed, the cavities of the refrigerant cartridges cooperate to completely encompass the beverage container. The refrigerant cartridges are formed with finger insets at appropriate locations at the perimeter of the container receiving cavities to aid in removing the cartridges from the outer case halves.

Abstract: A portable beverage cooler comprises a tubular container having an internal storage passageway therein open at its opposite ends and arranged to receive a plurality of beverage cans in end-to-end relationship. Removable caps at the ends of the container function to close the ends of the storage passageway. The container has generally cylindrical inner and outer side walls slightly spaced apart and together defining a closed refrigeration chamber therebetween with refrigerant in the chamber. A spring in the storage passageway is biased against the beverage cans to assist in removing them from the cooler when one or the other of the end caps is removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining products, such as foods, at selected temperatures which includes a chest or housing and in one form having hollow, slab-like containers lining the walls of the chest, the containers being filled with a solution such as a saline solution and in another form having trays adapted to be stacked one upon another within the chest with the bottom of each tray formed of a hollow, slab-like container also filled with a solution such as a saline solution, the containers may be heated either to temperatures as high as 180.degree. F. to 200.degree. F. or cooled to temperatures as low as or colder than 0.degree. F. to maintain products at either high or low temperatures as may be desired and the invention further involves an improved method for maintaining products at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A method of freezing fertilized ova, spermatozoa or the like which has the steps of containing fertilized ova, spermatozoa or the like in a buffer solution at an irregular position in a tube, and cooling the same so that a buffer solution contained in the area containing no fertilized ova, spermatozoa or the like become lower in temperature than the buffer solution containing the fertilized ova, spermatozoa or the like with a desired refrigerant to freeze the second buffer solution to produce crystalline nuclei, and then cooling the nuclei so that the nuclei grow to the first buffer solution. And, an apparatus for freezing fertilized ova, spermatozoa or the like which can carry out the above method. Thus, the survival rate of the fertilized ova, spermatozoa or the like can be raised, and the fertilized ova, spermatozoa or the like can be readily frozen under an automatic control by simple cooling means.

Abstract: A container for cooling and/or keeping cold beverages and/or foods. The container has a double-walled structure, forming a refrigerant cavity for holding a fluid, such as water, which, when frozen, produces cooling of the beverage or food in the container. A stress-relieving diaphragm accommodates the expansion of the fluid upon chilling to prevent breakage of the container.

Abstract: A heat storage cabinet for use in solar heating systems and the like. The cabinet is comprised of a pair of open ended shells adapted to be buckled together with shelf like containers of phase change materials to form a tortuous passage for hot air to heat the phase change heat storage material. Intermediate modules may be used between the end cabinets to increase the heat storage capacity. The cabinets may be made of fiber glass with ledges to resiliently receive the phase change shelves for ready installation. Through appropriate top and bottom openings in the cabinet duct work is provided for connection to the building to be heated, hot water tank or the like.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a first cooling device i.e. a direct cooling evaporator and a second cooling device i.e. an indirect cooling device to cool a circulating air in a refrigerator box, in which a cold storage member is attached to the direct cooling evaporator whereby when the indirect cooling evaporator is heated for defrosting, the temperature rise of the direct cooling evaporator due to a refrigerant gas flowed from the indirect cooling evaporator back into the direct cooling evaporator is prevented.

Abstract: Cold generating apparatus, wherein it comprises a cold storage enclosure filled with a material having a solid-liquid transmission in the vicinity of the operating temperature of the apparatus, a first panel forming a radiating surface, whose radiation drops into at least one of the atmospheric windows, a substantially vertical second panel immersed in the material of the cold storage enclosure, a pipe in the form of a coil on each of the first and second panels, said pipes being connected by plastically deformable couplings to form a closed circuit and a certain quantity of a fluid which is vaporizable under the operating conditions of the apparatus within the closed circuit, the assembly constituted by the first and second panels, the closed circuit and the heat transfer fluid forming a device of the heat pipe type serving as a thermal diode which only transmits heat in the direction from the storage enclosure to the radiating surface.

Abstract: A cold storage element containing an eutectic brine cooled to a given freezing point for the cold storage purpose by one or more refrigerant-conducting pipelines for freezing the brine, and said element being arranged interiorly of the body (structure) of a refrigerating vehicle. The cold storage element comprises a plastics material shell which has a rectangular configuration and a longitudinal weg or rib interconnecting the opposing sidewalls. The pipeline for said refrigerant passes in hair-pin configuration through both an upper compartment and a lower compartment defined by said longitudinal rib. Mounting assemblies and air control slats for such cold storage element are also provided.

Abstract: While many materials and additives which will melt and freeze at various temperature levels for storing and releasing large amounts of heat thereby per unit volume have been disclosed, the packaging of these materials with suitable non-corrodible long-lasting heat exchange structures has been cumbersome and expensive. The present invention provides an inexpensive, high performance, non-corrodible thermal storage method and system adapted for use with heat storage materials of various compositions and adapted for use over a wide range of temperatures, including a heat exchanger which provides for phase change to occur approximately simultaneously throughout the volume of the entire storage mass and provides for the sites at which the phase change is occurring to be approximately uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the heat storage material. Problems of thermal expansion, stratification and sub-cooling are eliminated.

Abstract: An integrated heat pump and heat storage system comprising a heat pump, a first conduit for supplying return air from an enclosure to the heat pump, a second conduit for supplying heated air from the heat pump to the enclosure, heat storage apparatus, a first damper operative in a first orientation to permit return air from the enclosure to enter the first conduit and to prevent return air from passing through the heat storage apparatus and operative in a second orientation to cause return air to pass through the heat storage apparatus for being heated thereby before entering the first conduit, a second damper operative in a first orientation to cause heated air from the second conduit to pass through the heat storage apparatus for giving up a portion of its heat for storage and operative in a second orientation to prevent heated air from the second conduit from passing through the heat storage apparatus and to permit the heated air from the second conduit to reach the enclosure.