Abstract: An assembly for sealing an interface between a high pressure steam chest 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. The assembly further comprises a chamber defined by the steam chest, the casing, and the sealing element in communication with the interface between the steam chest and the casing; a first passageway having one end in communication with the interior of the casing and a second end in communication with the chamber, for passing steam from the interior of the casing to the chamber; and means for developing a pressure differential across the first passageway so that the steam pressure at the second end of the passageway is less than the steam pressure at the first end of the passageway.

Abstract: A power generation unit comprising a turbine for extracting energy from a vaporous power fluid and including means for directing the power fluid generally downward therethrough, a tubine wheel wherein the flow of the power fluid past the turbine wheel causes rotation thereof, and a vapor discharge port substantially directly below and at least substantially coextensive with the horizontal cross section of the vapor flow path as the vapor flows past the turbine wheel. The unit further comprises power means for generating power, means for transmitting energy extracted from the power fluid by the turbine to the power means to generate the power, and a condenser located below the turbine for condensing the vaporous power fluid and including a vapor inlet port substantially coextensive with the vapor discharge port of the turbine.

Abstract: A tube extracting mechanism comprising an elongated frame defining an opening in the front end thereof and a longitudinally extending passageway in communication with the opening. A sleeve is slidably supported by the frame for longitudinal movement within the passageway. The mechanism further comprises an expandable jaw supported by the sleeve for longitudinal movement therewith, and a mandrel in communication with the expandable jaw for expanding the jaw. A plurality of teeth extend annularly about and radially outward from the expandable jaw. Each tooth includes an annularly extending central section having a gripping edge generally defining an arc for engaging the interior surface of a tube, and a pair of end sections wherein each end section annularly extends from the central section and includes a tapered edge, wherein the tapered edges radially taper inward to facilitate withdrawing the tube gripping apparatus from the tube.

Abstract: A welding apparatus including a nozzle assembly having a contact extension and a contact tip for guiding a consumable welding wire into a tube hole. The consumable welding wire is guided into the tube hole and an electric current is passed to the wire to produce an arc between the tip of the wire and the sidewall of the tube hole, melting the wire and supplying filler weld to the hole. The nozzle assembly has a gas nozzle; and, during the welding process, an inert gas is delivered into the tube hole through the gas nozzle.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed motor compressor unit has refrigerant gas at discharge pressure substantially surrounding the motor of the unit. The compressor includes at least two cylinders in which gas is compressed. A suction plenum for receiving gas at suction pressure surrounds each of the cylinders. Conduits, equal in number to the number of cylinders, are disposed externally of the compressor for delivering the gas into each of the plenums. One end of the conduit is connected to the plenum and the other end of each conduit is interconnected with the remaining conduits. The pressure pulsations developed in each conduit are controlled whereby the pressure in each plenum is at a maximum when the suction valve for a particular cylinder opens and is at a minimum when the piston is substantially at bottom dead center.

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 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 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A control for an air conditioning system of the type wherein a supply of air is conditioned at a central station, conditioned air is conducted through a supply air duct to a plurality of zones, and a plurality of discharge terminals discharge conditioned air from the supply air duct into the zones. The control comprises a plurality of air control valves, wherein each discharge terminal includes an air control valve for controlling the amount of conditioned air discharged into a zone by the discharge terminal; and a plurality of thermostatic adjusting devices, wherein each discharge terminal includes a thermostatic adjusting device for adjusting the air control valve to inversely vary the amount of air discharged into the zone in response to changes in the air temperature thereof.

Abstract: A multi-compressor system comprising first and second stage motor-compressor units, a low pressure line for transmitting vapor from a source thereof to the first stage unit, an intermediate pressure line for transmitting vapor between the first and second stage units, a high pressure line for transmitting vapor from the second stage unit, and a bypass line for transmitting vapor from the low pressure line to the intermediate pressure line to selectively bypass the first stage unit. The first stage unit includes a first supply of lubricant, a first compressor, and a first lubricant overflow passage for passing overflow lubricant from the first supply thereof into the first compressor. The second stage unit includes a second supply of lubricant, a second compressor, and a second lubricant overflow passage for passing overflow lubricant from the second supply thereof into the second compressor.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a head that includes a bottom and two upstanding, parallel, spaced ridges or members. The bottom and the upstanding members define a slot or groove adapted to receive an electrical wire. The end of a wire such as an electric resistance heating element can be inserted into the slot. Then, using an orbital riveter to apply a plurality of spaced, angular blows to the ridges, the wire can be staked to the head by riveting the ridges so that material is forced over the wire in the slot.

Abstract: A welding apparatus including a nozzle assembly having a contact extension and a contact tip for guiding a consumable welding wire into a tube hole. The consumable welding wire is guided into the tube hole and an electric current is passed to the wire to produce an arc between the tip of the wire and the sidewall of the tube hole, melting the wire and supplying filler weld to the hole. The nozzle assembly has a gas nozzle; and, during the welding process, an inert gas is delivered into the tube hole through the gas nozzle.