Abstract: Apparatus and a method for assuring safe retrofit installation of a flue damper in a hot air furnace. The flue damper is electrically connected to the original furnace control circuit by engaging a flue damper connector with a portion of a printed circuit board containing part of the furnace control circuit. The physical configuration of the adapter and the printed circuit board require removal of a jumper conductor within the printed circuit board prior to connection of the adapter thereby assuring that the flue damper is correctly installed so that it will be in the open position before the furnace may be ignited.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a multiple compressor heat pump system such that when the system is in the heating mode of operation the compressors are cycled individually depending upon the ambient temperature level and are individually co-ordinately operated in a defrost mode. The electrical control means disclosed provides for a second compressor being energized when the outdoor heat exchanger of a first compressor is being defrosted and the first and second contact means located within the individual defrost circuits for the first and second outdoor heat exchangers such that when the first outdoor heat exchanger is being defrosted the second outdoor heat exchanger may not commence a defrost cycle and when the second compressor is being operated in a defrost cycle a first compressor may not commence a defrost cycle.

Abstract: Strainer Apparatus for mounting within a tube, the apparatus comprising a strainer element having a cylindrical body portion and a conical end portion and a retainer having two concentric spaced cylindrical surfaces between which the strainer element is fastened, and a resilient collar containing a multiplicity of openings, said collar having an outside diameter greater than the internal diameter of the tube whereby upon insertion into the tube the collar is compressed forming a tight fit with the tube and holding the strainer apparatus stationary within the tube.

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: A propulsion unit for a vessel of the type having a compartment watertightly sealed from the remainder of the vessel. The propulsion unit includes a cylindrical housing vertically supported within the compartment. A pump having a drive shaft is supported within the housing, the drive shaft extending into the housing coaxial therewith. A deflector is rotatably supported at the outlet of the housing about an axis coaxial with the axis of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A combination thermostat and blower speed control for use with an air conditioner for both heating and cooling air which is circulated through an enclosure by a multi-speed blower.The control has a system switch for selecting either a heating or cooling mode of operation and a blower speed switch for selecting either automatic blower operation or continuous low speed or high speed operation. The combination thermostat and blower speed control has a built-in override such that when the thermostat senses a cooling need and the control is in the cooling mode of operation the blower will operate at high speed notwithstanding the selection of the blower speed at the blower speed switch.

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 flash economizer and an evaporator to form a primary refrigerant loop and a second compressor and an economizer-condenser which partially form a secondary refrigerant loop. Gaseous refrigerant from the flash economizer is recompressed in the second compressor and thereafter recondensed by the economizer-condenser. The recondensed refrigerant is then flashed in the flash economizer further cooling the liquid refrigerant therein.

Abstract: A control for a plurality of air conditioning units installed in separate rooms of a multi-room building, with each air conditioning unit having an on-off switch to selectively connect the air conditioning unit to a source of electrical power. The control includes a switch for simultaneously interrupting the electrical power supplied to each air conditioning unit to place each unit in an off state. Once the supply of electrical power to each unit is renewed, each unit is prevented from restarting until the unit's on-off switch has been manually moved from its on position to its off position.

Abstract: A subcooler for use in a refrigeration system wherein liquid refrigerant is flashed such that part of the refrigerant changes state from a liquid to a gas absorbing heat from the remaining liquid refrigerant. An economizer condenser is provided in the subcooler such that the flashed refrigerant gas may be recondensed within the subcooler. Liquid refrigerant enters the subcooler through the casing and is flashed through an orifice into a distribution box. The distribution box has perforated end plates such that the flashed gaseous refrigerant is distributed throughout the subcooler to evenly contact the economizer condenser mounted therein. Liquid refrigerant is collected in the bottom of the subcooler and therefrom conducted to the next component of the refrigeration system.

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: This invention relates to apparatus for facilitating the construction of a heat exchanger, such as a condenser or evaporator employed in an air conditioning system, wherein exchanger tubes extending through a plate fin assembly are joined together by means of return bend connections or the like. The ends of the tube are provided with an oval shaped bell in which are telescoped the return bends. Diametrically opposed nibs are formed on the outer surface of the return bend connectors near the distal end thereof. The outside diameter over the nibs is slightly larger than the minor inside diameter of the oval bell. The nibs are inserted into the bell aligned along the minor diameter of the opening. The nibs are thus caused to ride in engagement against the wall of the bell to frictionally support the connector in assembly. The joint is then immersed in a molten solder bath whereby solder flows freely into the joint region along the major axis to create a highly reliable joint.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing an electrical circuit to protect the internal components of a dual source combination motor-generator refrigeration unit having an internal power source and an external power source. The circuit is comprised of switching apparatus, a voltage sensitive relay, a high pressure switch, a time delay relay, an electrically operated clutch, a speed control solenoid and other electrical components to protect the engine, motor-generator, vapor compression refrigeration system and the electrical components sensitive to voltage fluctuations from various malfunctions including loss of engine speed, high refrigerant pressure, voltage fluctuations and operation of the compressor in an improper mode.

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 method for assembling a permanent magnet rotor by mounting the magnets and the appropriate electrical steel laminations between two retaining discs. The laminations and magnets are then forced into position by a pneumatic expansion tool. The retaining discs after the components are positioned are riveted to secure the laminations and the magnets which are further encapsulated in the retaining discs with an epoxy resin.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a refuse loading station comprising a refuse packer assembly, a refuse container and a loading dock disposed in front of the packer assembly. The container includes a vertically slidable closure. The clearing member includes a cutter edge for severing refuse, and an inclined refuse deflecting surface located under a bottom edge of the closure when the container is in a refuse loading position. The refuse clearing member includes a mechanism for partially raising the closure in response to movement of the container to a refuse loading position so as to locate the bottom edge of the closure above the deflecting surface. Power actuable mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the clearing member. When the clearing member is raised it contacts and raises the closure, and when the clearing member is lowered it contacts and lowers the closure.

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 carrier 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 air distribution unit for discharging conditioned air into an area to be conditioned and having a plenum chamber for receiving conditioned air and an outlet in communication with the plenum chamber and with the area being conditioned. A damper is employed to regulate the flow of conditioned air from the plenum chamber to the outlet with the damper being responsive to a thermostat to regulate the quantity of air discharged into the area in accordance with the temperature requirements thereof. The distribution unit includes an override control to maintain the flow of air through the damper at a constant predetermined rate irrespective of the temperature requirements in the area, the override control becoming operable when the damper has initially discontinued flow of conditioned air into the area in response to sensed temperature.