Abstract: A cermet resistor element utilizing a silver-gold alloy to improve the contact resistance variations and the method of making the element are disclosed. A gold resinate and a silver resinate are mixed with the noble metal resinates and glass frit to make a cermet material. The mixture is heated to drive off the organic resinate materials and to alloy the silver and gold. The resultant material is ground to a powder, reheated and reground. The powder is mixed with a volatile material to form a paste which can be applied to a substrate to form the resistance element. The element is heated to drive off the volatile material and fuse the glass into a solid mass. The silver and gold form a silver-gold alloy during the process and settle on the top surface of the element in globules and improve the contact resistance variations of the element.

Abstract: A purge system for use in a refrigeration system utilizing more than one condenser, each of which operates at different pressures. The purge system includes a purge chamber having a cooling coil connected to the evaporator and adapted to condense refrigerant vapor. The purge chamber is connected to a main purge refrigerant line which includes a pressure reducing device. Either condenser in the refrigeration system is provided with a secondary purge refrigerant line connected to the main purge refrigerant line and having a one-way valve to prevent refrigerant flow from one condenser to another condenser. A pump is mounted in the system to remove the non-condensibles from the purge system. The pump is operatively connected to a pressure switch arranged between two sampling pressure lines, one of which is extending to the purge chamber and another one is extending to the main purge refrigerant line at a point ahead of the pressure reducing device.

Abstract: A system for controlling the discharge temperature of a high pressure stage of a multi-stage centrifugal compression refrigeration unit includes flow control means for maintaining a continuous flow of refrigerant through the high pressure stage regardless of changes in the heating load thereon. When the heating load on the high pressure stage decreases below a predetermined level the pressure at the suction side of the high pressure stage is substantially reduced to decrease the weight flow of refrigerant through the high pressure stage. Simultaneously, the pressure differential across the high pressure stage is substantially equalized.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a heat exchanger element with a plurality of helically wound coils. The tubes are wrapped about a forming drum in a parallel abutting relation to each other to form a plurality of helically wound coils. Terminal leads are provided at each end of the coil. Terminal leads at each end of the coils are bent, disposed one inwardly the other so that they are positioned tangent to the same plane, which is perpendicular to the center longitudinal axis of the coils, and then a portion of each terminal lead is cut off and joined to a header.

Abstract: A trip valve including a valve body provided with a valve seat and further including a movable trip lever having a cam defining a first support surface thereof. A valve stem is movably disposed within the valve body and includes a valve attached to one end thereof for movement between a closed seat engaged position and an open seat disengaged position. A trip pin is attached to the valve stem and is movable therewith. The trip pin is supported upon the first support surface of the trip lever. A force generating device is operably connected to the valve stem for urging the valve into its seat engaged position. The cam includes a first portion movable between a first position spaced from the trip pin and a second position whereat the trip pin is directly supported upon the first portion of the cam. The first portion of the cam provides a force for urging the valve into its open seat disengaged position.

Abstract: Motor cooling system for refrigeration machine wherein one condenser connected to a main stage of the compressor is used to satisfy the cooling requirements of the system and a second condenser connected to a subsequent higher pressure compressor stage is employed for heating a medium to satisfy heating requirements of the system. The motor cooling system contains a three-way selector valve which connects either condenser selectively to the motor housing in response to the pressure in one condenser exceeding the pressure in the other condenser to provide a sufficient liquid refrigerant to the motor for cooling motor components under all operating conditions. The selector valve comprises a horizontally extending tubular portion having an annular seat at each end of the portion and a vertically extending tubular portion attached thereon.

Abstract: An electrical resistance element for use in variable resistance devices such as trimmers and potentiometers, having two or more resistance materials on a non-conducting base. The resistance materials are aligned along a path of travel of a movable wiper or contact to provide a series of variable linear resistances or a non-linear resistance. The interface between the resistance materials is arranged so that individual contact elements of the wiper traverse the interface at different times.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing condensate from forming on the inside walls of the heat exchanger of a combination air conditioning and heating unit during the cooling mode of operation. The formation of condensate on the inside surfaces of the heat exchanger is reduced by bleeding a small but sufficient amount of air pressurized by the air blower and conditioned by the evaporator into the combustion chamber and then into the heat exchanger to displace ambient air with high moisture content from the interior of the heat exchanger. A hole or a number of holes is provided in the partition separating the discharge section from the burner control section which is open to atmosphere to allow a portion of conditioned air into the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing an interface between a high pressure steam chest or chamber and a casing, wherein high pressure steam flows from the steam chest into the interior of the casing. The assembly comprises a sealing element extending through the interface for preventing direct contact between the high pressure steam and the interface, and joined to the steam chest so that a steam tight joint is developed therebetween.

Abstract: A potentiometer including a resistance element positioned within the housing. The resistance element comprising a substrate and a resistive track deposited thereon has a collector element and three terminating pads electrically connected to each end of the resistance track and to the collector element. A slidable wiper is electrically connected to the collector element and contacts the resistance track to vary the resistance of the circuit. Clips are mounted on the resistance element to provide electrical connections between the terminating pads and terminal posts connecting the resistance element to an external circuit. The clips are formed of an S-shaped, resilient, electrically conductive element having lower and intermediate sections to resiliently clamp the resistance track, and an upper section with two bifurcated arms to engage the terminal post.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of preventing the formation of moisture on the exterior of an air conditioning unit. Condensate collected at the evaporator and discharged into the condenser section of the unit absorbs heat energy eliminating cold spots on the exterior surface of the unit where moisture may condense. A condensate collection pan having various flow barriers is utilized to route the cold condensate from the evaporator along a tortuous path in heat exchange relationship with ambient air. Heat energy is transferred from the ambient air to the condensate in the condensate collection pan thereby acting to increase the temperature of the condensate prior to it being discharged into the condenser section.

Abstract: A downflow furnace assembly having a combustible floor base including a pair of parallel side rails, a pair of parallel, variable length cross rails, and integral spacing flanges, and a method of constructing the combustible floor base. The integral spacing flanges are for maintaining the lower plenum of the downflow furnace assembly at a preset distance from the edge of a combustible floor and are formed by die pressing the same metal sheets that are pressed to form the rails of the floor base. The variable length cross rails are each comprised of a pair of interfitted channel members that are in slidable communication with each other. By sliding the channel members with respect to each other, the lengths of the cross rails and the width of the base can be adjusted. The surface of each channel member defines a plurality of holes, and each cross rail can be adjusted to various preset lengths by aligning different holes.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in compaction bodies of the type used for the collection of refuse, garbage, and the like, and having means therein for compacting such refuse during collection and for discharge therefrom. The invention relates specifically to automatic controls to regulate the operation of a compaction head located inside the compaction body for compacting material therein.

Abstract: A spray generator for an absorption refrigeration system that includes a heat exchanger comprised of a multiplicity of variably spaced heat exchange tubes. The tubes are spaced close together near the top of the heat exchanger and spaced more widely apart near the bottom of the heat exchanger. Dilute absorbent solution is sprayed down through the heat exchanger. The close nesting of the tubes in the top portion of the heat exchanger retards liquid flow and aids heating of the solution. The wide spacing of the tubes in the lower section of the heat exchanger facilitate vapor flow out of the heat exchanger and eliminates liquid "blow-off". The top tubes are covered by a baffle to prevent the liquid solution from splashing out of the heat exchanger off of these top tubes.

Abstract: An automated refuse container discharge station is disclosed in which a refuse container is emptied such that its volume decreases as an essentially constant function of time. The unloading station includes a support assembly on which a carriage assembly is adapted for longitudinally sliding motion. The carriage assembly includes container opening apparatus at one end and container discharging apparatus at the other end. The carriage assembly also includes apparatus for unlatching a container tailgate portion and releasably securing the container to the carriage. A hydraulic cylinder advances the carriage assembly with respect to the support assembly and hydraulically damps movement of the carriage and container at the end of the advancing stroke. The carriage assembly includes an hydraulic discharge cylinder which may be intermittently advanced into the container. Part of the discharge cylinder is supported by guides carried by the carriage and aligned guides carried by the container.

Abstract: An evaporator type humidifier in which a fan wheel is rotated by an air stream and drives a water wheel. The water wheel lifts water from a water receptacle to a water distribution system. The water distribution system can collect water and then distribute a substantially equal amount of water to each air-water contact member in the humidifier. The amount of water distributed to each contact member is sufficient to wet the contact member and inhibit the formation of deposits on the contact member by flushing away minerals and other solid particles.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system which has a compressor, a condenser, a low temperature flash economizer, a high temperature flash economizer and a chiller connected to form a primary refrigerant loop and a second compressor and economizer condenser connected to partially form a secondary refrigerant loop. Gaseous refrigerant from the high temperature flash economizer is condensed by the economizer condenser and then flashed in the low temperature flash economizer. The gaseous refrigerant from the low temperature flash economizer is recompressed by the second compressor and thereafter recondensed by the economizer condenser. The recondensed refrigerant is then circulated to the low temperature flash economizer together with the remaining liquid refrigerant from the condenser.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted apparatus for loading and unloading containers onto and off of the vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tilting frame on the body of the vehicle, a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the tilting frame for longitudinal movement along the tilting frame and a cable extending from the tilting frame around a sheave mounted on the front of the hydraulic cylinder back to the container. The sheave is concentrically mounted on cross supports extending between guides in the tilting frame. Supports are provided on the tilting frame and cylinder to prevent vibration of the cylinder when the cylinder is in an extended position and the cylinder is detachable from the tilting frame for removal for maintenance or replacement purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring refuse involve a container having a closure and an ejector head. A loading station includes a movable loading carriage, a packer assembly having a reciprocable packer head, and a plurality of power actuators. By positioning a container upon the loading carriage, the container becomes aligned with the packer assembly. The power actuators are actuated from a main control panel to move the loading carriage toward and away from the packer assembly, open the closure, and reciprocate the packer head for inserting refuse into the container. Subsequently, the closure is closed and the loading carriage is backed away from the packer assembly. The container is then transported to the unloading station. The unloading station includes a movable unloading carriage for receiving the refuse carrying container, and a plurality of power actuators. By positioning the container upon the unloading carriage the container becomes aligned with the discharge zone.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow control assembly for metering the flow of refrigerant, under low load and normal operating conditions, from the high pressure side to the low pressure side of refrigeration machine. The assembly includes a valve plate defining a circular port for the flow of refrigerant therethrough. A valve plug is provided having a conical surface at one end for communication with the circular port, and a stem at the other end. A valve plug support is operatively connected to the valve plate for mounting thereon the valve plug for slidable movement between a closed position and an open position along a line coincident with the axis of the valve plug, which line is perpendicular to and intersects the plane of the circular port at its center.