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: 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 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 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: Apparatus in an air conditioning unit for reducing noise created by a condensate slinger comprising a condenser fan shroud having contained as an integral part thereof a curvilinear baffle having a splash surface of a predetermined configuration closely surrounding the slinger for the purpose of reducing the noise attendant the delivery of the condensate collected adjacent to the slinger over the surface of a condenser.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of operating a high performance shell and tube type heat exchanger utilizing tubes having integral internal fins. A specific tube circuit configuration is selected to limit the temperature drop of the refrigerant within the tube to a preselected range as the refrigerant flows through the circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus in an air conditioning unit to provide for circulation of evaporator condensate preventing the formation of pockets of cold condensate which cause exterior condensation on the unit, the apparatus comprising a reservoir area for the collection of condensate, a condenser fan shroud dividing the reservoir into two parts and sluiceways within the shroud defining a path for circulation of the condensate communicating with the reservoir, and a powered rotatable fan which creates air pressure differentials which cause the condensate in the reservoir to circulate.

Abstract: Electrical control means for use in a heat pump system having dual compressors wherein the operation of each compressor can be staged independently and automatically except for those periods when the outdoor heat exchanger is undergoing defrost wherein both compressors are placed in operation.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring frost accumulation on the coil of a heat pump. An operational parameter of the heat pump compressor responsive to frost accumulation, such as compressor current, is compared to a reference level developed during a non-frost condition of the coil to initiate and terminate coil defrosting in response to a predetermined variation between the operational and reference parameter levels.

Abstract: Apparatus forming a self-contained air conditioning unit which includes parts and subassemblies of a particular configuration that may be united with each other in order to construct the apparatus with a minimum of cost and effort.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube comprising a primary tubular element for carrying a heating or cooling medium and a secondary heat transfer surface spirally wound about the tubular element. The heat transfer surface is formed in a U-shaped configuration with its base being wound in metal-to-metal contact against the tube surface and the two legs thereof extending radially from the base. Each leg, in turn, is provided with a plurality of slits extending inwardly from the extreme edge thereof to create a dense population of relatively thin spine-like fins radiating from the tube. A meniscus of adhesive is formed between the legs and the surface of the tube which secures the base of the fin strip in metal-to-metal contact against the tube surface and also supports the individual spine-like fins in a radially extended position. In a further embodiment of the invention, the exposed surfaces of the primary and secondary elements are coated with a thin layer of adhesive to protect the tube from corrosion.

Abstract: A control mechanism for moving a door of an air conditioner which includes a mounted movable carriage in contact with a biased door. The carriage by means of a connected resilient arm containing a pin which slidably follows a ramp arrangement holds the door in an open position when operated in a single direction and released. Upon the second operation in the same direction and subsequent release the biased door returns to a closed position and the control mechanism returns to its initial position.

Abstract: A flow divider for use in a direct expansion heat exchanger coil as typically utilized in an air conditioning system. The divider is adapted to receive an entering flow of refrigerant from a first circuit and equally distribute the flow into a plurality of leaving circuits. The geometry of the divider is arranged so that the force of gravity acting upon the working fluids passing therethrough is negated thereby enhancing the ability of the divider to produce an equal flow distribution in each of the leaving circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus for bonding the tubular joints of a heat exchanger using an ultrasonic soldering process in which the heat exchanger structure is heated while the joints thereof are immersed within a molten solder bath thereby preventing excessive amounts of heat from being drawn out of the joint region during the bonding process.

Abstract: A mechanism for fastening two items together where one item has an opening which includes a clip having legs formed thereon and a screw. The legs of the clip have flanges which converge to form triangular shaped ends of the legs for guiding the legs into the opening in the first item. The screw is then inserted thru the second item into the clip whereby the clip is expanded locking the legs onto the material surrounding the opening in the first item and fastening the clip to the second item.

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.