Abstract: A rack for suspending an electrical or mechanical component below a support surface. The rack is quickly assembled with relatively few parts, but it is easily adjustable to a accommodate a large variety of component shapes and dimensions. The rack includes two loops each having a right angle member, a strap or belt, and a buckle. The two loops are associated with a plate member which supports and separates the loops. The plate member is placed on the upper surface of the electrical component to be suspended and the two loops are then tightly secured about the component. The resulting assembly is then attached to the support surface. In a preferred embodiment, a bracket is secured to the support surface and the plate member of the assembly is telescopically engaged with the bracket, horizontally sliding the assembly into position below the support surface.

Abstract: A vehicle (14) having first and second cargo spaces (32,34) to be conditioned by a transport refrigeration unit (12), with the vehicle having a front wall (24) and a rear wall (26). A partition (30) in the vehicle defines the first and second cargo spaces, which extend side-by-side from the front wall to the rear wall. The rear wall is provided with separate doors (36,38) for gaining access to the first and second cargo spaces. The transport refrigeration unit includes a frame (44) supporting first and second evaporator units (50,52). The frame and evaporator units are mounted on the outside front wall of the vehicle, with the first and second evaporator units being in air flow communication with the first and second cargo spaces, respectively, via suitable openings (40,42) in the front wall. Electrical control independently controls the first and second evaporator units to condition the air in the first and second cargo spaces.

Abstract: A refrigeration distribution arrangement which improves the uniformity of coil temperature distribution along the length of an evaporator coil. The distribution arrangement is particularly beneficial when an evaporator coil is operating partially flooded with refrigerant, such as when refrigeration capacity is being reduced with a suction line modulation valve. Distributor tubes from a refrigerant distributor are inserted for at least first and second different dimensions into coil tubes which initiate a plurality of refrigerant circuits in the evaporator coil. In an exemplary embodiment, the first dimension is a relatively short dimension, and the second dimension is a relatively long dimension, such as about one-third of the coil length. The refrigerant thus expands at different locations across the coil length, initiating coil cooling at different coil locations. The discharge temperature of air (flowing across the evaporator coil into a served space is thus more uniform across the coil length.

Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit having electrical control which includes a display, including the steps of detecting the occurrence of predetermined events in the transport refrigeration unit, and classifying at least certain of them into first, second and third categories of fault conditions, and into a fourth category related to maintenance associated events. When a first category fault occurs, the unit is shut down, a visual alarm is flashed, and the nature of the fault is immediately identified. When a second category fault occurs, a visual alarm is steadily energized, and the nature of the fault if immediately identified. When third category faults and fourth category events occur, they are stored and periodically displayed, with the display respectively identifying the nature of the fault and the type of maintenance event.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system having a frame which supports a refrigerant compressor, a prime mover for the compressor, condenser and evaporator coils, and an air delivery assembly for moving air through the condenser and evaporator coils. The air delivery assembly includes a single shaft having first and second condenser blowers mounted adjacent the ends of the shaft, and an evaporator blower mounted on the shaft between the first and second condenser blowers. A drive arrangement for the air delivery assembly includes a jack shaft between the shaft of the air delivery assembly and the prime mover, with the prime mover being linked to drive the jack shaft, and with the jack shaft being linked to drive the shaft of the air delivery assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit with microprocessor based control. The microprocessor automatically selects an operative control algorithm, according to system configuration, with each algorithm having one or more operating conditions. Return air and discharge air temperature sensors provide inputs to the microprocessor. First, second and third sets of look-up tables are accessed by the microprocessor to determine which conditions are in the selected algorithm, and the high and low trip points of each condition. The first set of tables is accessed when the return air sensor is functional, the second set is accessed when the discharge air sensor is functional and the discharge air sensor is not, and the third set is accessed when both the return air and the discharge air sensors are not functional and the conditioned load is frozen. Failure of both sensors when the load is fresh shuts the unit down.

Abstract: A method of logging the operating time of a plurality of predetermined timeable functions of a transport refrigeration unit which includes the step of providing a plurality of hourmeters, at least certain of which are programmable. One of the plurality of timetable functions is selected for each programmable h ourmeter. Each hourmeter includes a first memory, with the operating time of the associated selected timeable function being stored in the first memory. The times stored in the first memories of the hourmeters are individually transferred to a second memory which is common to all of the hourmeters in response to a predetermined event. In a preferred embodiment, the second memory has a plurality of memory banks, one of which is an active storage location for all hourmeters, until the occurrence of a predetermined event, at which time another of the memory banks becomes the active storage location for all hourmeters.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system including host and remote refrigeration systems having local and remote evaporators, respectively, for respectively controlling the temperatures of first and second compartments via cooling and hot gas heating cycles. The host and remote refrigeration systems each have a plurality of controllable valves, including a controllable valve in their respective suction lines, and they each have a suction line to liquid line refrigerant by-pass lines, enabling either the host or remote evaporator to function as a condenser for the other, while by passing the normal condenser function, and further enabling either evaporator to control to a lower temperature than the other, as desired.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting fuel problems of an internal combustion engine, including low fuel, a plugged fuel filter, a pinched fuel line, air in the fuel system, and gelled fuel. The detection of a fuel system problem is followed by engine shutdown, with shutdown being initiated quickly enough to retain sufficient fuel in the fuel system to re-start the engine without the necessity of priming. The invention includes the detection and counting of predetermined engine speed fluctuations. A timer is started upon the detection of the first predetermined speed fluctuation. If a predetermined count is reached before the timer reaches a predetermined time value, the engine is shutdown when the count is reached. If the timer reaches the time value before the count value is reached, the counter and timer are reset to await another predetermined engine speed fluctuation.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system including a refrigerant compressor which is alternatively driven by an internal combustion engine or an electric induction motor. The transport refrigeration system achieves and maintains a predetermined set point temperature in a served space by heating and cooling cycles. When additional heat is required during a heating cycle while the internal combustion engine is driving the compressor, capacitors are connected across the induction motor, to cause the motor to function as an induction generator and build up an output voltage. The output voltage is monitored, and when it is sufficient to sustain a load, resistors located to aid the heating cycle are connected to receive the output voltage.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular panel suitable for use in an office space dividing system, with the panel including a frame constructed of rails and stiles. The rails and stiles define a window having inner facing edges which include channels for receiving a sheet of material. Glazing strips are provided for the channels which are configured such that they are insertable into a channel in a selected one of two orientations. In one orientation, the glazing strip is in a normal position to receive the sheet of material. In the other orientation the glazing strip is inverted, completely blocking access to the channel, to prevent foreign matter from entering the channel prior to assembly of the sheet of material with the frame.

Abstract: A space dividing panel system having a plurality of panels. Slotted standards are disposed between adjacent panels, with each slotted standard having first and second vertical rows of slots respectively accessible from opposite sides of the panels. A counter cap is disposed in spaced relation above an upper edge of a panel, supported by at least one support assembly. The upper edge of the panel includes an upwardly open wire trough. The support assembly includes first and second bracket members respectively supported by the first and second vertical rows of slots. A third bracket member is fixed to the first and second bracket members, and the counter cap is fixed to the third bracket member. The spaced relation between the counter cap and the upper edge of the wire trough provides access to the wire trough without disturbing the support assembly or counter cap.

Abstract: A three-way valve for a refrigeration system having a body portion which includes an intermediate member and first and second end bells. The body portion includes an inlet adapted for connection to a refrigerant compressor, first and second major outlets respectively adapted for connection to a condenser and an evaporator, and a minor outlet adapted for selective connection to the low side of the compressor. The body portion defines a cavity within which a removable cartridge is disposed which contains all movable parts of the valve, as well as all parts subject to wear. The cartridge is freely removable for maintenance purposes after removal of a predetermined one of the end bells. An equalizing check valve is carried by the cartridge which limits back pressure build up via the first major outlet when the valve is positioned to connect the inlet to the second major outlet.

Abstract: An office space dividing partition having an electrical raceway. The raceway includes an extruded plastic spine having a vertical web; a top portion which includes an extruded mounting slot; a bottom portion which includes first and second extruded grooves and a noise seal; and, an intermediate portion which defines four passageways for communication and power wiring. First and second extruded plastic side panels are telescoped into engagement with the first and second extruded grooves of the spine. An extruded panel-to-raceway connector connects the spine to the bottom edge of an office space dividing panel. Raceway stabilizers extend outwardly from the spine to engage support posts which support the panels. Raceway shrouds, which conceal the posts adjacent to the ends of the raceways, are positionally keyed to the spine for accurate mating with the side panels of the raceway.

Abstract: An office space dividing system which includes rectangular post-supported panels having central cores and upper wire troughs. Each panel includes two stiles and upper and lower rails constructed of tubular metallic members having the same substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration which includes a longitudinal channel. The stiles and rails are arranged to define four corners each having two adjacent unobstructed openings. A right angle reinforcing member is press fit into the adjoining openings to provide four square corners which are maintained by staking. The stiles and lower rail are oriented such that the longitudinal channels support the central core. The upper rail is inverted, with the longitudinal channel supporting the wire trough. A spanner extends across each post, between adjacent panels, from wire trough to wire trough. Post caps, panel caps, and four plastic corners on each panel complete the system.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system which includes a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an evaporator, an accumulator, and a control valve having cooling and heating output ports which are alternatively connected to first or second refrigerant circuits to initiate cooling and heating cycles, respectively. The heating capacity of a commanded heating cycle is enhanced prior to switching to the heating cycle by connecting the outlet of the receiver to the second refrigerant circuit while maintaining the control valve cooling port active in the first refrigerant circuit for a predetermined time delay. This forces liquid refrigerant in the condenser to flow into the receiver and then into the second refrigerant circuit, making additional liquid refrigerant available to the heating cycle, which is initiated at the end of the predetermined time delay, without introducing liquid refrigerated directly into the accumulator.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system having an evaporator, an evaporator blower, a variable speed drive for the evaporator blower, a refrigerant compressor, and a prime mover for the compressor which includes an internal combustion engine having an output shaft, a pressurized oil lubrication system and an oil sump. The variable speed drive includes a fluid coupling which utilizes oil provided by the lubrication system of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A space dividing system which includes vertically disposed posts and space dividing panels. Each post includes a center core and a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending T-shaped members having a stem or leg portion integrally joined to the core, and a flange spaced outwardly from the core. The space between the core and inner surfaces of the flanges defines vertical wire ways. Each space dividing panel has upper and lower hook-like connector assemblies fixed to its vertical edges. The T-shaped members have predetermined portions of their associated flanges removed to define access openings having flange-defined support edges for supporting the upper and lower hook-like connector assemblies. Flanges of T-shaped members not associated with a space dividing panel are concealed by one or more post covers having retaining beds which removably engage lateral edges of predetermined flanges.

Abstract: An air conditioner unit mounted on or within the roof of a vehicle. The frame of the unit functions as a substantially flat support pan for the air conditioning components, while having a lower portion which accommodates a generic curved contour of most vehicles the unit will be associated with, such as buses. The frame is devoid of upstanding wall portions on the sides adjacent to the sides of the vehicle, and on the ends of the frame which approach the sides. This frame structure facilitates the manufacture of the frame, the assembly of components on the frame, and servicing of the unit, and it enables the manufacturer of the vehicle to provide a bubble or skin for the air conditioner unit which accommodates the design and aesthetics of the vehicle.