Abstract: A method of staging a plurality of compressors in a refrigeration system. The method comprises the steps of: accumulating a first operative condition for each compressor; accumulating a second operative condition for each compressor; initiating operation of whichever compressor has the lowest accumulation of the first operative condition whenever a system controller calls for an increase in system capacity; and terminating operation of whichever compressor has the greatest accumulation of the second operative condition whenever the system controller calls for a reduction in system capacity.

Abstract: A system for providing individual comfort control. The system includes means, such as an air diffuser, for distributing conditioned air into an environment; a personal comfort device for selectively providing conditioned air to a portion of the environment; and means for remotely controlling the operation of the personal comfort device.

Abstract: A pneumatic direct digital control system comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a transducer for connecting the air inlet and the air outlet and controlling a flow of air therebetween; a power supply; a sensor; and a direct digital controller. The direct digital controller is operably connected to the power supply. Additionally, the controller is operably connected to and is controlling the transducer.

Abstract: Fluid apparatus of the scroll-type are disclosed wherein radially compliant means effect relative orbital motion between first and second wrap elements such that actual moving line contact occurs between their flank surfaces, and wherein linkage means interconnect one of the wrap elements and crankshaft means such that a component of the force acting therebetween is imposed upon the wrap element in a radially outward direction in order to provide a sealing or contact force between the wrap elements. Counterweight means impose a force upon the wrap element in a radially inward direction which is substantially equal to the centrifugal force experienced thereby, whereby the contact force is made independent of the operating speed of the apparatus and self-compensating with respect to pressure conditions therein.

Abstract: A wrap element and tip seal are disclosed for use in fluid apparatus of the scroll type which include a wrap element having a groove disposed within its tip surface of spiroidal configuration generally conforming to that of the wrap element. A tip seal is disposed within the groove and comprises a relatively rigid strip of material having been wound about its longitudinal axis into a spiroidal configuration generally conforming to that of the groove, the strip of material having a cross section taken in a plane substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis wherein at least the radially outer surface thereof is convex in a radially outward direction. This configuration for the tip seal has the advantage that it may be formed using conventional winding techniques wherein a certain amount of "twist" about the longitudinal axis of the strip of material is normally encountered.

Abstract: A tip seal back-up member is disclosed for use in fluid apparatus of the scroll type, which member comprises a strip of material extending longitudinally in generally spiroidal configuration about a reference axis and having a preformed configuration such that its radially inner and outer edge portions are disposed axially with respect to each other. The strip of material comprises an elastic material such that as one of the edge portions is displaced axially toward the other, an opposing spring force is developed. In operation, the back-up member is disposed within a groove located in a tip surface of a wrap element in fluid apparatus of the scroll type, between a bottom wall of the groove and a tip seal. Preferably, the strip of material is generally flat between its radially inner and outer edge portions and is constructed from steel.

Abstract: A wrap element and tip seal are disclosed for use in fluid apparatus of the scroll type which include a wrap element having a groove disposed within its tip surface of spiroidal configuration generally conforming to that of the wrap element. A tip seal is disposed within the groove and comprises a plurality of strips of material disposed at least partially within the groove and arranged in side-by-side relationship at least partially across the width of the groove, each said strip extending along a longitudinal axis about the spiroidal configuration of the groove. By fabricating the seal from a plurality of strips of material, the necessity for expensive machining operations is obviated while a seal is provided which is relatively flexible in a radial direction as to accommodate the precise groove shape, while remaining relatively inflexible in an axial direction so as to provide the desired sealing characteristics.

Abstract: A gas compressor of the scroll type is disclosed wherein means are provided for reducing its degree of compression as it starts from a standing start in order to reduce the initial starting torque required. To this end, passage means are provided which extend through the end plate means of the compressor from a location in communication with the closed moving volumes defined between the wrap elements to a second location in communication with working gas normally at discharge pressure during operation of the compressor. Valve means are associated with the passage means for permitting flow therethrough when the pressure within the closed moving volumes exceeds the discharge pressure at said second location as the compressor starts from a standing start, and for blocking flow therethrough during operation of the compressor when discharge pressure normally exceeds the pressure in the closed moving volumes.

Abstract: A gas compressor of the scroll type is disclosed wherein unloader means are provided for selectively varying its capacity by effectively delaying the point at which the closed moving volumes defined between the wrap elements begin compression. To this end, passage means extend through the end plate means of the compressor from a location in communication with the closed moving volumes to a location in communication with working gas normally at suction pressure during operation of the compressor. Valve means are provided for selectively blocking flow through the aforementioned passage means, whereby the compressor operates at a relatively high capacity; and for permitting flow through the passage means, whereby gas is exhausted via the passage means to suction pressure as the closed moving volumes progress radially inwardly to a predetermined position at which compression is permitted to begin.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder reciprocating compressor is disclosed which is provided with an unloader valve for blocking the flow of suction gas to at least one of the cylinders to reduce the compressor capacity. The unloader valve is disposed at one end of a cylinder bank and comprises an unloader piston and an unloader port which is an integral part of the cylinder bank. A chamber in which the unloader piston and unloader port are located is formed in the cylinder bank with its axial center in parallel alignment with the axial center of all the cylinders in that bank. This improved efficiency, facilitates ease of manufacture, and reduces associated costs.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a temperature conditioning system in which a plurality of stages of temperature conditioning apparatus may be selectively energized to meet a temperature conditioning demand in a comfort zone into which the flow of temperature conditioned air is varied in response to temperature therein. Control means are operative to determine the differential temperature of the return air and the supply air and to energize and de-energize stages of temperature conditioning in response thereto. Means are provided to measure the outdoor ambient temperature, thereby enabling the control means to determine the heating capacity of an ambient air source heat pump relative to the outdoor ambient air temperature, and to energize and de-energize heating stages as appropriate, to meet heating demand.

Abstract: A reciprocating gas compressor of the multicylinder, radial type is disclosed which includes unloading means for selectively shutting off suction gas flow to one or more of the cylinders in order to vary the capacity of the compressor. The unloading means include a valve element having a flat, planar surface which is movable between first and second positions with respect to a generally planar valve seat surrounding the inlet of the suction flow passage means, which inlet is spaced radially from the crankshaft axis and lies in a plane substantially perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for rotating a fluid impeller of a centrifugal or axial flow fan, at multiple speeds. A fan is provided with a first and a second electric motor for drivingly rotating a fluid impeller at relatively fast and slow speeds, respectively. The rotor of the first motor directly drives the fluid impeller; the second motor is connected to the impeller shaft of the fan through a belt drive, with pulleys sized to reduce the impeller's rotational speed relative to that of the second motor.Only one of the motors is provided with a start winding. Control means selectively energize the first and second motors, and are operative to energize the one motor long enough to bring the other motor up to operating speed.

Abstract: An oil-water emulsifier comprises a Venturi member having an inlet for receiving oil, an oil-water emulsion outlet and an opening extending therethrough from the inlet to the outlet. The opening of the Venturi member comprises a diameter-reducing portion which connects to a throat portion having a substantially smaller diameter than the inlet, the throat portion being connected to an expanding portion extending from the throat to the outlet, the diameter of the outlet of the opening being substantially greater than that of the throat portion. A plurality of water injection holes extend from the outer periphery of the Venturi member to the throat portion so as to be in communication with the oil flowing through the throat portion, the injection holes being preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of oil flow through the throat portion. Also disposed is an oil-burner boiler system incorporating the above-described oil-water emulsifier.

Abstract: A control and method for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger of an air source heat pump. A defrost cycle is initiated when ice and frost have accumulated on the outdoor heat exchanger sufficiently such that, as a function of the indoor temperature of a comfort zone, the maximum permissible heat transfer degradation at which the efficiency and reliability of the temperature conditioning system are optimized, has occurred. Heat transfer degradation is determined from the outdoor ambient air temperature and the temperature of either the outdoor heat exchanger, or the compressor suction line. If the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger or the suction line is less than a predetermined value, a deferred defrost cycle is initiated wherein the defrost cycle starts after a fixed time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor package is disclosed wherein a semiconductor wafer assembly includes first and second generally planar surfaces having respective first and second membrane members in overlying relationship thereto. Encompassing the periphery of the wafer assembly is a mass of retaining material, such as epoxy resin, which may overlie outer edge portions of the wafer assembly and sealingly engage the first and second membrane members. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor wafer assembly comprises a thyristor having a gate associated therewith having conductor means attached thereto which are embedded in a suitable layer of adhesive material which is disposed between the wafer assembly and the mass of retaining material. Another feature of the invention includes the provision of a temperature sensing element, such as a thermistor, which is disposed in intimate heat exchange relationship to the wafer assembly so as to accurately sense its operating temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a vehicular temperature conditioning system in response to temperature conditioning demand, outdoor ambient air temperature, discharge air temperature, and vehicle engine oil pressure which is indicative of the rotational speed of a clutch and shaft drivingly connecting the temperature conditioning system to the vehicle engine. A cooling mode is initiated if (1) the return air (comfort zone) temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum value, (2) the outside ambient air temperature exceeds a predetermined limit, and (3) the rotational speed of the clutch and drive shaft, as indicated by the vehicle engine oil pressure, is less than a predetermined limit. During operation in the cooling mode, a reheat cycle is initiated in response to the return air temperature and the discharge air temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling one or more electrically powered devices. A control for a temperature conditioning system is shown which is operative to monitor the electrical current supplied to component devices, i.e., compressors, auxiliary heating elements, indoor fan, and outdoor fan; and to cause an indicator means to indicate that one or more of the devices has failed to operate in a manner consistent with the controlled status of the system. If a failure is detected, control means are operative to lock out one or more of the devices from operation.

Abstract: A refrigeration circuit is disclosed which is operable in each of four distinct modes for the heating or cooling of a space, the production of a heated liquid, or the simultaneous cooling of a space and production of heated liquid. The circuit includes compressor means; indoor, outdoor, and liquid heat exchange means; along with vapor conduit means including first valve means and liquid conduit means including second valve means so as to afford selective operation of the circuit in any one of the aforementioned modes. A significant feature of the invention lies in the fact that, during operation in any particular mode, the inactive heat exchange means of the circuit is vented to the suction side of the compressor means so as to afford proper refrigerant charge control within the circuit. Control means are further disclosed which sense the load imposed upon the compressor means and prevent overloading thereof during operation in a water heating mode.

Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for controlling air flow through a fan. A plurality of shafts are mounted extending radially inward of an inlet cone, and are affixed to a hub positioned at the center of the cone and concentric thereto. Rotatably mounted on each shaft is an adjustable inlet vane, having a crank arm extending from its root end. Cam follower bearings are used to rotatably mount a ring on the hub. The ring is connected to each of the crank arms by a link having a ball and socket joint at each end. Rotation of the ring thereby causes the inlet vanes to rotate about their supporting shafts without binding.