Abstract: An oil-water emulsifier comprises a Venturi member having an inlet for receiving oil, an oil-water emulsion outlet and an opening extending therethrough from the inlet to the outlet. The opening of the Venturi member comprises a diameter-reducing portion which connects to a throat portion having a substantially smaller diameter than the inlet, the throat portion being connected to an expanding portion extending from the throat to the outlet, the diameter of the outlet of the opening being substantially greater than that of the throat portion. A plurality of water injection holes extend from the outer periphery of the Venturi member to the throat portion so as to be in communication with the oil flowing through the throat portion, the injection holes being preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of oil flow through the throat portion. Also disposed is an oil-burner boiler system incorporating the above-described oil-water emulsifier.

Abstract: A control and method for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger of an air source heat pump. A defrost cycle is initiated when ice and frost have accumulated on the outdoor heat exchanger sufficiently such that, as a function of the indoor temperature of a comfort zone, the maximum permissible heat transfer degradation at which the efficiency and reliability of the temperature conditioning system are optimized, has occurred. Heat transfer degradation is determined from the outdoor ambient air temperature and the temperature of either the outdoor heat exchanger, or the compressor suction line. If the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger or the suction line is less than a predetermined value, a deferred defrost cycle is initiated wherein the defrost cycle starts after a fixed time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor package is disclosed wherein a semiconductor wafer assembly includes first and second generally planar surfaces having respective first and second membrane members in overlying relationship thereto. Encompassing the periphery of the wafer assembly is a mass of retaining material, such as epoxy resin, which may overlie outer edge portions of the wafer assembly and sealingly engage the first and second membrane members. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor wafer assembly comprises a thyristor having a gate associated therewith having conductor means attached thereto which are embedded in a suitable layer of adhesive material which is disposed between the wafer assembly and the mass of retaining material. Another feature of the invention includes the provision of a temperature sensing element, such as a thermistor, which is disposed in intimate heat exchange relationship to the wafer assembly so as to accurately sense its operating temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a vehicular temperature conditioning system in response to temperature conditioning demand, outdoor ambient air temperature, discharge air temperature, and vehicle engine oil pressure which is indicative of the rotational speed of a clutch and shaft drivingly connecting the temperature conditioning system to the vehicle engine. A cooling mode is initiated if (1) the return air (comfort zone) temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum value, (2) the outside ambient air temperature exceeds a predetermined limit, and (3) the rotational speed of the clutch and drive shaft, as indicated by the vehicle engine oil pressure, is less than a predetermined limit. During operation in the cooling mode, a reheat cycle is initiated in response to the return air temperature and the discharge air temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling one or more electrically powered devices. A control for a temperature conditioning system is shown which is operative to monitor the electrical current supplied to component devices, i.e., compressors, auxiliary heating elements, indoor fan, and outdoor fan; and to cause an indicator means to indicate that one or more of the devices has failed to operate in a manner consistent with the controlled status of the system. If a failure is detected, control means are operative to lock out one or more of the devices from operation.

Abstract: A refrigeration circuit is disclosed which is operable in each of four distinct modes for the heating or cooling of a space, the production of a heated liquid, or the simultaneous cooling of a space and production of heated liquid. The circuit includes compressor means; indoor, outdoor, and liquid heat exchange means; along with vapor conduit means including first valve means and liquid conduit means including second valve means so as to afford selective operation of the circuit in any one of the aforementioned modes. A significant feature of the invention lies in the fact that, during operation in any particular mode, the inactive heat exchange means of the circuit is vented to the suction side of the compressor means so as to afford proper refrigerant charge control within the circuit. Control means are further disclosed which sense the load imposed upon the compressor means and prevent overloading thereof during operation in a water heating mode.

Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for controlling air flow through a fan. A plurality of shafts are mounted extending radially inward of an inlet cone, and are affixed to a hub positioned at the center of the cone and concentric thereto. Rotatably mounted on each shaft is an adjustable inlet vane, having a crank arm extending from its root end. Cam follower bearings are used to rotatably mount a ring on the hub. The ring is connected to each of the crank arms by a link having a ball and socket joint at each end. Rotation of the ring thereby causes the inlet vanes to rotate about their supporting shafts without binding.

Abstract: A method for joining two plate type heat exchanger core sections, previously brazed individually in intimate heat conducting relationship. The surfaces of the two heat exchanger core sections to be joined are non-planar as a result of brazing. In the method, the two core sections are stacked with their non-planar surfaces to be joined facing toward each other with an interposed layer comprising deformable metallic members. The deformable metallic members are subjected to a shear force causing them to be displaced to conform to the non-planar surfaces, substantially increasing the area over which they are in contact with these surfaces and thereby substantially increasing the heat conduction between the core sections. Closing members are thereafter inserted around the perimeter of the intermodular layer and joined to the heat exchanger core sections with a gas metal arc welding bead.

Abstract: Pressurized control signal apparatus is disclosed, which being supplied with air from a source of variable pressure, is operative to produce a control signal essentially independent of variations in the supply pressure. In one aspect of the invention, the control signal is amplified in volume of flow; in another, it is generated in response to temperature. The apparatus is specifically adapted to effect regulation of air flow in a variable air volume (VAV) temperature conditioning system in response to temperature in a conditioned zone, wherein the supply air for the apparatus is derived from a temperature conditioned air distribution duct of the VAV system.

Abstract: A plate type heat exchanger is disclosed having flow passages extending beyond the area of heat transfer on at least one end. The extending ends of the flow passages serve as sacrificial inlets for flow of one of two fluids through the heat exchanger so that any leak resulting from flow erosion or from corrosion in the extending flow passages does not result in mixing of the two fluids.

Abstract: A rotary driven drum-shaped dispenser for fluid materials is disclosed. The drum is comprised of a plurality of nested rings each of which has a plurality of arcuate channels through which the fluid material is passed during rotation of the drum. An adjustable valve is positioned at the inlet end of each flow channel. The end bells of the drum have covered access openings for filling the drum with fluid material to be dispensed. A divider within the drum separates the drum chamber into two chambers so that separate materials may be dispensed simultaneously without pre-mixing.

Abstract: An air cooled heat exchanger provided with water distribution means for wetting the surfaces of air flow passages with a thin film of water, which by evaporation enhances the cooling of a fluid. The fluid flows through the heat exchanger in passages arranged in generally parallel, spaced apart layers. A series of metallic fin sheets, extending between the layers, maintain the separation between the layers and define a plurality of air passages. Water is distributed into the air passages as a liquid through slot means disposed on the edge of the layers, at the side where the air stream enters the heat exchanger. The air stream causes the water to spread in a thin film over the surfaces of the air passages, resulting in improved cooling of the fluid by evaporation of the water. Provision is made for collecting any excess water at the side of the heat exchanger where the air stream exits.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling and selectively setting back the comfort condition, such as temperature, within a conditioned zone utilizing a system which includes both preferred and back-up conditioning means, the former exhibiting more favorable energy consumption characteristics than the latter. The system is operable in both a normal mode, and in an economy mode during which the comfort condition is permitted to degrade toward an economy level during a setback period of predetermined duration. Selective operation of the preferred and back-up conditioning means is effected in order to minimize energy consumption during both modes and especially during the time that the comfort condition is restored to the normal level from the economy level. In a preferred embodiment, the preferred conditioning means comprise an electrically operated heat pump of the vapor compression type and the back-up conditioning means comprise electrical resistance-type heating means.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed in which the air conditioning capacity is stepped to a lower level upon reduced sensible air conditioning demand. The stepped reduction involves both a stepped reduction of blower capacity and a stepped change of the heat exchange fluid flow at the heat exchanger modifying the temperature of the air. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A plate type heat exchanger is shown in which liquid and vaporous phases of a heat exchange fluid are separately distributed uniformly across the width of a heat exchanger and after mixing, flow therethrough in heat exchange relationship with a feed fluid. Crossover means are disposed in the metallic plates separating adjacent passages in which the fluid and vaporous heat exchange fluids flow and are operative to provide fluid communication between the adjacent passages so that the two phases of heat exchange fluid may mix. Slotted metallic bars provide structural support to the metallic plates in the proximity of the crossover means and restrict the flow of one of the liquid and vaporous fluids through the crossover means.In one embodiment of the invention, the rate of flow of one of the heat exchange fluids through the heat exchanger is continuously adjustable over a limited range by metering control means; in another embodiment, it is controlled in discrete steps.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an electronically controlled apparatus for accurately charging and/or venting refrigerant for an air conditioning system having an air cooled condenser and capillary tube control. The system includes means for stabilizing the sensed pressure values, means for rapidly charging a refrigeration system having a gross undercharge, means for automatically terminating the operation of the charge adjuster and means utilizing condenser heat to increase the speed at which refrigerant may be added to the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: A temperature control is disclosed for a variable volume air conditioning system of the type wherein electric motor-operated air valve means are provided for varying the volume of relatively warm or relatively cool conditioned air supplied to a conditioned zone. The control includes zone thermostat means for sensing the temperature within a conditioned zone, determining the deviation between a set-point temperature and the zone temperature, and for producing an electrical error signal having a magnitude which varies in a predetermined relationship with respect to said deviation in temperature. Valve motor control circuit means receive the error signal and are operative to energize electric motor-operated air valve means in response thereto so as to vary the volume of conditioned air being supplied to said conditioned zone in a sense to restore the zone temperature to the set-point temperature.

Abstract: An economizer is disclosed having a plurality of stages for flash cooling refrigerant liquid for use in a refrigeration system. The refrigerant liquid is cooled by evaporation of a portion of the liquid as it passes through throttling means into chambers of successively lower pressure. Sump means are provided to collect the refrigerant liquid flowing between the chambers. As the refrigerant enters each chamber, it is deflected by distribution means, thereby effecting more efficient separation of the flashed refrigerant vapor from the resulting liquid spray.

Abstract: Pressurized control signal apparatus is disclosed, which being supplied with air from a source of variable pressure, is operative to produce a control signal essentially independent of variations in the supply pressure. In one aspect of the invention, the control signal is amplified in volume of flow; in another, it is generated in response to temperature. The apparatus is specifically adapted to effect regulation of air flow in a variable air volume (VAV) temperature conditioning system in response to temperature in a conditioned zone, wherein the supply air for the apparatus is derived from a temperature conditioned air distribution duct of the VAV system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for absorbing a subject vapor in an absorbent liquid wherein an additive is provided which exists in at least a vapor phase concurrently with the subject vapor, which additive is effective to reduce the surface tension of the absorbent liquid upon contact therewith. A heat transfer member is provided having a first surface over which absorbent liquid is passed such that a film is formed thereon, and a second surface over which a heat transfer fluid is passed in order to remove heat from the absorption process. Means are provided associated with the first surface of the heat transfer member for promoting interfacial turbulence between the film of absorbent liquid and the subject vapor such that a series of preferential absorption sites is established along the first surface.