Abstract: A shaft seal assembly employing oil breakdown bushings including bushing supports having a radial spring constant which permits the bushing to move radially with the shaft as the shaft is deflected and an axial spring constant whereby the bushing is able to resist axial movement when under pressure.

Abstract: An expansion device for use in a reversible vapor compression refrigeration cycle for producing, upon demand, either heating or cooling. Two devices are mounted in opposed relationship in a supply line carrying refrigerant between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. Each expansion device includes a body having a flow passage therein opening into an expanded chamber. A free-floating piston is slidably mounted in the chamber and is moved to a first position when refrigerant is passed through the line in a first direction and to a second position when the direction of flow is reversed. A centrally located metering port passes through the piston while fluted channels are formed in its outer periphery. When in the first position, the fluted channels are closed against one side wall of the chamber and refrigerant is throttled through the metering port from the high pressure exchanger (condenser) into the low pressure exchanger (evaporator).

Abstract: A support member for an electric heating assembly of the type having a plurality of heating elements supported by electrical insulators. The support member comprises channel-like strips sized to receive the electrical insulators and includes tab-like portions integrally formed from at least one of the walls of the strip and lying across the opening of the channel defined by the strip. Adjacent ones of the tab-like portions lock the insulators in position on the support member.

Abstract: A combination vapor compression and refrigeration cycle employing a mechanical compressor for developing high temperatures. The suction end of the compressor is exposed to both the vapors discharged from the refrigeration evaporator and a mixture of oil foam and refrigeration vapors discharged from an absorption generator. As the mixture passes through the compressor, it absorbs the heat of compression and is discharged into a heat exchanger where energy is transferred to a reclaiming substance. Because of the absorptive process, relatively high temperatures are developed in the compressor discharge whereby the energy rejected into the reclaiming substance can be effectively utilized in domestic and industrial heating applications.

Abstract: An assembly for releasably connecting a diffuser section of an air conditioning terminal to a pair of opposed spaced walls includes first and second mounting brackets respectively permanently affixed to each of said spaced end walls. Each bracket includes a retainer permanently affixed thereto. Third and fourth mounting brackets are permanently affixed substantially adjacent each end of the diffuser section. Each bracket includes a removable securing member alignable with the retainer to connect the diffuser section to the end walls of the terminal.

Abstract: An air conditioning terminal including first and second damper assemblies, with each assembly having an outer wall spaced from an outer terminal wall to define first and second air passages. The assemblies further include inner walls spaced from a centrally located vertically extending wall to define third and fourth air passages. The terminal further includes a diffuser section including side diffuser members having a portion including a curved surface spaced from sides of the centrally located wall extending generally parallel thereto to define a section to streamline the air flowing from the first and third air passages towards the air from the second and fourth air passages to limit turbulence. The central vertically extending wall includes a baffle to direct the air streams downwardly prior to their intermixing to further minimize turbulence.

Abstract: A seal for use in a fluid-to-fluid shaft seal assembly as conventionally employed in a rotary machine. The seal includes a first and second ring encompassing the shaft and having a bushing seal interposed therebetween. A biasing member is arranged to act against one of the rings and the bushing seal to exert a predetermined force upon the bushing seal whereby the bushing seal is allowed to move radially in compliance with the shaft between the two rings. Radial ports are also provided within the bushing seal to bring fluid into contact with the shaft beneath the bushing, each port having a contoured entrance region to facilitate movement of fluid therethrough and thus insure that a positive seal is formed between the bushing and the shaft.

Abstract: A flexible damped bearing for rotatably supporting a shaft within a machine including at least one helper spring mounted below the shaft and being arranged to act against the bearing to support the weight of the shaft and thus eliminate the effect of static preloading on the bearing system.

Abstract: An alcohol reclaiming apparatus for use in an absorption refrigeration system having a separator operatively connected to the system condenser for removing alcohol from liquid refrigerant prior to passing the refrigerant from the condenser section to the evaporator section of the system. The separated alcohol is delivered directly into the system absorber, thereby bypassing the evaporator, to promote continuous circulation of alcohol through the system whereby the performance of the system is maintained at a relatively high level.

Abstract: An alcohol circuit for use in an absorption refrigeration system for circulating alcohol through the system along an independent path of travel which prevents the alcohol from stagnating within the evaporator section of the system. Further means are provided to precondition the alcohol prior to its introduction into the absorber section to enhance the effective use of this additive within this section.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide gas is bled into an absorption refrigeration system to reduce the alkaline normality of an aqueous lithium bromide solution. The carbon dioxide reacts with lithium hydroxide contained in the solution to form a carbonate thereby reducing the alkaline normality of the solution.

Abstract: An air conditioning system including a ceiling air terminal operable to discharge conditioned air into a room and adapted to be connected to first and second sources of conditioned air. The first source provides air at a temperature level which varies inversely to changes in the outdoor air temperature. The air is discharged from the terminal along the ceiling towards the peripheral wall of the room to compensate for transmission gains or losses. The second source provides air at a predetermined temperature level. The air is discharged from the terminal along the ceiling of the room towards the interior thereof to compensate for the remaining cooling load therein, the volume of the air being varied in accordance with changes in the cooling load. The volume of the variable temperature air discharged into the room is maintained constant irrespective of changes in the pressure of the air supplied to the terminal.

Abstract: A combination equalizer and over-pressure control for use with fluid compressors comprises a passage having a first piston including a relief port therethrough, the piston when in a first position preventing any flow of fluid through a second relief port. A second piston, disposed upstream of the first piston, is movable relative thereto. A first spring provides a force to maintain the second piston in spaced relationship relative to the first piston, the second piston moving into sealing abutment with the first piston to close the first relief port when fluid pressure acting on the second piston exceeds a predetermined value. A second spring provides a force to maintain the first and second pistons in position relative to the second relief port to prevent any fluid flow therethrough. The first and second pistons move jointly at a predetermined over-pressure condition to open the second relief port.

Abstract: A seal suitable for use in a barrel-type rotary machine having an inner casing mounted within an outer casing to provide a chamber therebetween which is pressurized by exposing the chamber to high pressure fluids processed in the machine. One end of the chamber is substantially enclosed by a pressure responsive resilient member. One end of the member is secured to the inner casing and the opposite end thereof arranged to support a sealing element in non-contiguous relation adjacent to the inner wall of the outer casing. As the chamber is pressurized, the resilient member is forced outwardly toward the outer casing to securely seat the sealing element in positive fluid-tight engagement thereagainst.

Abstract: A fluid-to-fluid shaft seal assembly including at least one pressure breakdown bushing within the sealing region encompassing the shaft of a rotary machine and being loosely housed within the machine frame. The bushing includes an inwardly extended arm passing downwardly into an undercut formed within the shaft. A balancing ring extends between the arm and one wall of the stator opening. The ring is strategically located in respect to the bushing whereby the forces exerted upon the bushing by the sealing fluid are pressure balanced to permit the bushing to move freely in a radial direction to comply with the shaft as the shaft deflects and thus prevent the bushing from locking against the machine frame.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for conditioning air in a plurality of enclosed areas in a building. Conditioned air at a temperature level which may be varied is supplied to first terminal means for discharge into an area. Conditioned air at a relatively constant temperature level is delivered to second terminal means for discharge into the area. The quantity of constant temperature air discharged into the area is regulated in accordance with the temperature level therein. When the temperature of the variable temperature air supply is at a relatively warm level, the quantity thereof discharged into the area is regulated in accordance with the quantity of constant temperature air discharged into the area. As the quantity of constant temperature air discharged into the room is increased, the quantity of warm air discharged into the room is decreased; and as the quantity of constant temperature air discharged into the room is decreased, the quantity of warm air discharged into the room is increased.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a support structure for an electric heating assembly from a single piece of metal. The piece of metal is advanced progressively through a plurality of work stations. At a first station, excess material is removed from the piece of metal to provide a strip of metal extending transversely between second and third strips of metal. At a next station, the transversely extending strip is formed into a channel-like member. Thereafter, insulators to mount the heating element are loaded onto the channel-like member. The second and third strips of metal are bent at right angles to the first strip to provide integral side supports for the support structure of the assembly.

Abstract: A fan assembly including a fan scroll having a discharge opening. The relative position of the opening may be altered from one unit to the next to direct the air in a desired direction. The fan shaft is mounted off-center relative to the center of the side walls of the fan assembly housing. The position of the fan shaft is varied about the circumference of an imaginary circle in accordance with the position of the discharge opening. The center of the imaginary circle is coincident with the center of the side walls.

Abstract: A device for indicating the angular position of a rotatable member of a type adapted for mounting on a panel. A bracket for mounting the device on the panel includes a first axially extending tang adapted for insertion into a slot formed in a first portion of the indicating device. The slot includes two spring fingers extending radially inward. The spring fingers engage the tang to prevent the indicating device from rotating relative to the panel.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for conditioning air in a plurality of enclosed areas in a building. Conditioned air at a relatively cold temperature level is supplied to a terminal for discharge into an area. The quantity of relatively cold temperature air discharged into the area is regulated in accordance with the temperature level therein. A control signal is generated, the magnitude thereof being indicative of the quantity of conditioned air discharged into the area. The magnitude of the control signal is monitored. Warm air supply means is activated when the magnitude of the control signal indicates that the quantity of the relatively cold temperature air being discharged into the area has decreased below a predetermined level.