Abstract: An actuator for adjustable vanes of a turbomachine includes a movable housing defining a chamber. A band is mounted within the chamber and affixed to the housing for movement therewith. A first roller is in engagement with the adjustable vanes and in contact with a first portion of the band. A second roller is in contact with a second portion of the band. A force generating device is connected to the housing for moving the housing and the band affixed thereto relative to said first and second rollers for rotating each of the rollers about its own axis, with rotation of the first roller resulting in corresponding movement of the adjustable vanes.

Abstract: An expansion device having a piston sliding between first and second positions within a valve body. In the first position the piston meters refrigerant flow therethrough and in the second position the piston allows refrigerant to flow unrestricted through the device. Means are disclosed for adjusting the throttling of the refrigerant through the device when it is acting as an expansion device.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for operating a refrigeration system without reverse cycle defrost are disclosed. A heat exchanger is divided into a plurality of zones, one zone being constantly utilized as a subcooler to both defrost said zone and to subcool the refrigerant. The remaining zones of the heat exchanger are utilized as an evaporator as is known in the art. A selector valve which is capable of indexing liquid refrigerant flow between zones and receiving gaseous refrigerant from the remaining zones is also disclosed. Additionally, a header arrangement having both expansion means and a conduit controlled by check valve is utilized to direct refrigerant flow from the subcooled zones to the remaining zones of the heat exchanger which act as an evaporator.

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: A vapor compression refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator connected to form a refrigeration circuit. The system also includes a modulating valve and control means therefor for modulating a flow of refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor to control the refrigerant flow through the compressor and the capacity of the refrigeration system. The refrigeration system further comprises a bypass line, a quench valve, and control means therefor for interjecting condensed refrigerant into the refrigeration circuit prior to the compressor and subsequent to the modulating valve in response to a predetermined refrigerant flow rate through the compressor.

Abstract: A damper blade control for regularing the flow of conditioned air through a supply air duct and into a zone. The control comprises an electric motor for use with a source of electrical energy for moving the damper blade between a minimum air flow position and a maximum air flow position, and a thermostatic switch electrically positioned between the motor and the source of electrical energy for connecting the motor thereto to change the position of the damper blade in response to changes in the temperature of the zone. The control further comprises maximum and minimum flow switches disposed outside the supply air duct for disconnecting the motor from the source of electrical energy when the damper blade reaches, respectively, the maximum and minimum air flow positions.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly comprises contact seal rings which are inserted into a recess formed within labyrinth seal rings encompassing the shaft. The contact seal rings are adapted to be in sealing engagement with the shaft when the shaft is not rotating or the shaft speed is relatively slow. The contact seal rings are moved radially outward with respect to the rotary shaft when the shaft speed is increased. Buffer liquid generates the force to move the contact seal rings radially outward from sealing engagement with the shaft and at the same time establishes a barrier for process fluid when the shaft speed is increased.

Abstract: A diffuser control for controlling vapor flow through a diffuser passage comprising an annular recess defined by a housing of the diffuser passage and in communication therewith, and an annular control ring supported for movement within the recess and the diffuser passage between a throttling position, wherein the restriction means throttles vapor flow through the diffuser passage, and an open position for permitting a substantially free flow of vapor through the diffuser passage. The diffuser control further comprises a plurality of springs supported by the housing for urging the control ring toward the throttling position, a stop for limiting movement of the control ring at the throttling position, a low pressure conduit for connecting the annular recess to a low pressure source, and a seal for retarding vapor flow from a higher pressure side of the control ring to a lower pressure side thereof when the control ring is in the open position.

Abstract: A heat transfer and storage system for heating and cooling an enclosure, and including a heat pump having an indoor coil and an outdoor coil and a heat storage facility. The system can be operated to exchange heat between a refrigerant fluid from the heat pump and a heat transfer fluid from the heat storage facility, between the refrigerant fluid and ambient air, and between the heat transfer fluid and ambient air. In a preferred embodiment an integrated three medium heat exchanger is utilized in association with the outdoor coil of the heat pump and a water coil operatively connected to a water tank; and the three medium heat exchanger can effect heat exchange between the refrigerant and the water, between the refrigerant and outdoor air, and between the water and outdoor air.

Abstract: Apparatus for satisfying heating and cooling demands including a cooling circuit including a mechanical refrigeration unit having a low pressure side and a high pressure side, a heating circuit including a booster compressor for drawing and further compressing refrigerant from the high pressure side of the refrigeration unit, and a heat reclaiming condenser for passing the further compressed refrigerant vapor in heat transfer relation with a heat transfer fluid to heat the fluid and condense the refrigerant vapor. Also disclosed is a control for stabilizing the vapor flow rate through the booster compressor when the pressure in the high pressure side of the refrigeration unit falls below a first predetermined value and for reducing the vapor flow rate through the booster compressor when the pressure in the high pressure side of the refrigeration unit falls below a second predetermined value less than the first predetermined value.

Abstract: Apparatus for satisfying heating and cooling demands including a cooling circuit including a mechanical refrigeration unit having a low pressure side and a high pressure side, a heating circuit including a booster compressor for drawing and further compressing refrigerant from the high pressure side of the refrigeration unit, and a heat reclaiming condenser for passing the further compressed refrigerant vapor in heat transfer relation with a heat transfer fluid to heat the fluid and condense the refrigerant vapor. Also disclosed is a control for reducing the vapor flow rate through the booster compressor when the pressure in the high pressure side of the refrigeration unit falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: Heat reclaiming method and apparatus for use with a vapor compression refrigeration circuit, a heat transfer fluid, and a heat storage facility. The heat reclaiming apparatus comprises a heat exchanger connected to a compressor and a condenser of the refrigeration circuit for receiving refrigerant vapor from the compressor and discharging refrigerant to the condenser, wherein refrigerant vapors pass in heat transfer relation with the heat transfer fluid to heat the fluid and cool the vapors. The heat exchanger is further connected to a source of the heat transfer fluid for receiving fluid therefrom; and still further connected to the heat storage facility for discharging the heat transfer fluid thereto.

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: Heat reclaiming method and apparatus for use with a vapor compression refrigeration circuit, a heat transfer fluid, and a heat storage facility. The heat reclaiming apparatus comprises a heat reclaiming condenser connected to the refrigeration circuit for receiving refrigerant vapor therefrom and discharging condensed refrigerant thereto, further connected to a source of the heat transfer fluid for receiving fluid therefrom, and still further connected to the heat storage facility for discharging the heat transfer fluid thereto, and wherein refrigerant vapor passes in heat transfer relation with the heat transfer fluid to heat the fluid and condense refrigerant vapor. The heat reclaiming apparatus further comprises a valve for regulating the flow of heat transfer fluid to the heat reclaiming condenser; and a valve control for controlling the valve to decrease the quantity of heat transfer fluid flowing to the heat reclaiming condenser when the condensed refrigerant therein reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system having a generator that includes a first, or primary, heat exchanger operatively connected to a low temperature energy source and that includes a second, or auxiliary, heat exchanger operatively connected to a high temperature energy source. Control means are provided so that energy is supplied to the generator from the high temperature energy source only after energy is extracted from the low temperature energy source and additional energy is required by the system. Various embodiments are disclosed showing different ways of positioning and operating the primary and auxiliary heat exchangers. Another embodiment illustrates a condenser system that efficiently operates to condense refrigerant vapor regardless of the distribution of the energy contribution between the high and low energy sources.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of controlling a combination system utilizing a solar heating system and a heat pump in combination to provide either heated or cooled air to an enclosure. A conventional split system heat pump is mounted such that the indoor coil is located in the same area as the indoor coil of the solar system and optional electric resistance heaters. Heating may be provided from either the solar system by circulating hot water through the indoor solar coil, the heat pump or electric resistance heat, or a combination thereof. Cooling is provided by the heat pump and defrost for the heat pump may involve supplying heat from either the electric resistance heat or the storage tank of the solar system to the indoor coil of the heat pump. In addition, means may be provided for offpeak cooling of stored water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a hot gas defrost system wherein superheated gas from the system compressor is conducted into a heat exchanger mounted within an accumulator for supplying heat to vaporize liquid refrigerant received from the evaporator. After the gas passes through the heat exchanger it is conducted to the condenser where it is condensed to a liquid and then routed to the evaporator. In the evaporator or frost accumulating coil the liquid refrigerant is subcooled, supplying heat to melt the ice formed on the evaporator surfaces and the liquid is thereafter conducted to the accumulator where the heat supplied from the heat exchanger acts to vaporize the fluid. The vaporized refrigerant is then recycled to the compressor to complete the system.

Abstract: A bearing and lubrication system for a rotatable shaft comprising a journal bearing assembly for supporting the shaft, a thrust bearing assembly for limiting axial movement of the shaft, and a ring surrounding the shaft and having a portion of the inner surface thereof drivingly engaged by the shaft wherein rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the rings. A supply of lubricant is disposed beneath the ring in the path of travel thereof as the ring rotates under the influence of the shaft, wherein rotation of the ring causes lubricant to cling thereto and be elevated thereby. A first portion of the elevated lubricant is introduced to the journal bearing assembly to lubricate surfaces thereof, and a second portion of the elevated lubricant is radially thrown outward by the ring.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus and a method of operation thereof, said apparatus being mounted such that the indoor section receives air to be conditioned through an opening in the bottom wall of the unit and likewise discharges the conditioned air into the enclosure to be treated through an opening in the bottom wall of the unit. The heat exchanger, fan and supplementary heaters, if used, are arranged to maximize air flow per given fan power input such that the overall efficiency of the unit can be increased by decreasing the necessary energy to circulate air through the unit. An internal wall is used to support the fan as well as define air flow paths.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a first evaporator having a capillary type expansion device controlling the flow of refrigerant thereto and a second evaporator having a thermal expansion valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant thereto. The system further includes a refrigerant compressor for discharging high pressure refrigerant vapor and a refrigerant condenser for receiving the high pressure refrigerant vapor and for converting the vaporous refrigerant to a relatively high pressure mixture of liquid and vaporous refrigerant. The system further includes a separator for receiving the relatively high pressure mixture from the condenser and for separating a substantial portion of the liquid refrigerant from the vapor liquid mixture. A first conduit is connected to the separator for delivering the separated liquid refrigerant to the thermal expansion valve and a second conduit is provided for delivering the remainder of the vapor liquid mixture to the capillary type expansion device.