Abstract: A heat exchanger including a heat exchanger conduit and fins arranged on the conduit tubes to further heat transfer between the external fluid flowing over the fins and the fluid flowing within the conduit. The fins include a row of apertures through which tubes of the heat exchanger conduit extend. The leading and trailing edges of the fins are contoured to substantially conform to isotherms around the circulating fluid flowing within the tubes. To achieve this edge configuration while also allowing for a dense packing of fins and tubes in a multi-row heat exchanger, the leading and trailing edges are wave shaped such that adjacent fins can interfit together. Suitable wave shapes include a sinusoidal wave as well as a trapezoidal wave. The isothermally contoured leading and trailing edges result in a fin configuration which efficiently utilizes the materials of its construction as well as results in minimal wastage during construction with a minimal impact on heat transfer.

Abstract: The present invention involves split system air conditioners. Specifically, the present invention provides a condenser unit with cross-flow blowers. A single cross-flow blower may be used to draw air through a heat exchanger and expel the air adjacent to a cut-off portion. Further, dual cross-flow blowers may be provided to enhance the performance of the condenser unit. The combination of air streams from two cross-flow blowers provide better air circulation through the heat exchangers and a more uniform exhaust stream. The condenser unit is more compact and can be mounted on the wall, on the overhang, or on the top of the building. These various mounting locations take advantage of the air boundary layer near the building and thus the air conditioning system operates more efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention involves a flat fin heat exchanger configuration with a plurality of louvers and a rib raised above the plane of the fin connecting adjacent tube collars. The raised rib configuration enhances the heat transfer characteristics of the fin, and allows for the use of thinner materials to lower cost without diminishing performance. The exterior fin surface "scoops" and redirects air flow from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the fin. This "scooping" effect directs the air flow over and in between the interrupted surfaces, thus breaking up air boundary layer around the fin. The louvers of the fin are oriented relative to the air flow in such a manner that each louver in effect creates another leading edge contributing to a higher heat transfer coefficient. Also, the location of the raised rib also enhances the heat transfer between the fin and the circulated air.

Abstract: The present invention involves a combustion box of a gas furnace which experiences oscillating combustion. The combustion box employs an opening in the housing which is tautly covered with a diaphragm made of elastic material such as silicone rubber. The elastic diaphragm transmits noise and vibration generated by the oscillating combustion of the gas burners in the combustion chamber and thereby dissipates that vibration and noise.

Abstract: The present invention involves split system air conditioners. Specifically, the present invention provides a condenser unit with cross-flow blowers. A single cross-flow blower may be used to draw air through a heat exchanger and expel the air adjacent to a cut-off portion. Further, dual cross-flow blowers may be provided to enhance the performance of the condenser unit. The combination of air streams from two cross-flow blowers provide better air circulation through the heat exchangers and a more uniform exhaust stream. The condenser unit is more compact and can be mounted on the wall, on the overhang, or on the top of the building. These various mounting locations take advantage of the air boundary layer near the building and thus the air conditioning system operates more efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention involves a gas furnace having a condensate trap formed in the transition box between the secondary heat exchanger and the exhaust blower. The gas furnace includes gas burners which burn fuel within the passageways of the heat exchanger are induced through its internal passageways by an exhaust blower. The transition box connects the heat exchangers with the exhaust blower and provides a location for condensate to collect for discharge through the integral condensate trap assembly. Also, the exhaust blower housing has drainage ports to convey condensate from the blower and vent back to the condensate trap.

Abstract: The present invention is an air conditioner with tangential blowers having a removable air handling module. The air conditioner housing includes indoor and outdoor heat exchangers between which the air handling module is disposed. The module is easily inserted or removed from the air conditioner housing because the module is self contained and the air conditioner housing has ample access space. The module includes two tangential blowers disposed between opposite sidewalls which are arranged to draw air through the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. On one sidewall, a motor is mounted which is drivingly connected to the tangential blowers. The other sidewall includes an opening covered by a removable panel which provides access to the blowers in the interior of the module.

Abstract: An induced draft, fuel-fired furnace having a heat exchanger with an inlet and an outlet includes a vent having an inlet, a burner, and a vented vestibule in fluid communication with the vent. A blower has an inlet in fluid communication with the heat exchanger outlet, and an outlet disposed at the inlet of the vent. The blower outlet has a cross-sectional area smaller than the vent inlet. The vent inlet and blower outlet define a vent inlet opening. A drafthood formed with an inlet is disposed in the vestibule and forms a plenum in fluid communication with the vent inlet opening. A source of combustion products is disposed in the furnace such that combustion products produced thereby are in fluid communication with the drafthood inlet and vent inlet opening. The source of combustion products includes either a standing pilot or electronic ignitor for igniting fuel operably discharged from the burner.

Abstract: The present invention involves an air conditioner including an air handling housing having a sidewall and defining first and second compartments. First and second tangential blowers are disposed in the first and second compartments, respectively. Each of the tangential blowers defines an axis with a coaxially disposed shaft end mounted in the sidewall. A motor drives the first and second tangential blowers. A belt and two pulleys rotatably connect the first and second tangential blowers. The belt engages the pulleys, and each pulley is mounted on a respective one of the shaft ends by a tolerance ring. A bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the shaft ends includes a support plate spaced from the sidewall. The bearing assembly further includes an outer race and an inner race. The outer race is connected to the support plate and the inner race is connected to the shaft end.

Abstract: The present invention is a base assembly for a rooftop air conditioner. The offset tongue of one base rail is slidably received by an open end of the other base rail so that the length of the base assembly may be altered by simply slidably adjusting the relative position of the base rails. The base rails may have a U-shape or an L-shape so that when connected a rectangular base assembly is formed. Alternatively, the base assembly may include side rails and end rails which form a rectangular shape. The side rails and the end rails are formed from a single sheet of steel having a uniform width. The steel sheet is cut into four sections, with the side rails having tongues formed in their ends which engage open ends of the end rails. The corners of the base rails or end rails are integrally formed by bending the rails along lines at selected positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a furnace control system responsive to a circulator fan motor fault condition. Upon detection of the fault, the control determines a first time period which is required to activate the temperature limit switch of the furnace by continuous operation of the gas burner and a second time period which is required for the plenum to dissipate sufficient heat to deactivate the temperature limit switch. After determining the first and second time periods, the furnace control operates the burners for a fraction of the first time period and then allows the heat exchangers to cool for the second time period until the circulator fan motor fault is corrected or the demand for heat ceases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a two stage furnace control. The control includes a gas valve, an ignitor, a low pressure switch, a high pressure switch and a control unit for enabling the inducer fan, the circulator fan, the ignitor, and the gas valve. The gas valve is coupled in series with the low pressure switch, the high pressure switch, and the power source whereby the low and high pressure switches directly control supply of electric power to the gas valve.

Abstract: The present invention is an access panel for a roof top air conditioning unit. The access panel edges interfit with edges of the air conditioner cabinet to form a tortuous path for entry into the cabinet interior. The tortuous path inhibits air, water, and moisture penetration. Also, insulating material is trapped between the interfitting edges to further block the penetration and insulate the cabinet interior. At the top edge, a lip extends downwardly to provide a positive stop to keep the removable access panel from laterally falling.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including an evaporator. A reservoir is connected to the evaporator at a point intermediate the inlet and the outlet of the evaporator. The reservoir is placed in heat exchange relationship with the suction line near the outlet of the evaporator. In one embodiment a liquid level sensor is provided in the reservoir and the output of the sensor is used to control an expansion valve connected to the inlet of the evaporator. In another embodiment a capillary or fixed orifice device is used as an expansion device for the evaporator and the reservoir acts as a refrigerant storage device to accommodate various operating conditions of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: The present invention is an enhanced tubular heat exchanger for a furnace. The tubes of the heat exchanger include an enhanced portion which has a smaller cross-sectional area than the flue portion, in the form of an elliptically shaped tube. The enhanced portion further includes turbulators to promote the heat exchange from the heated flue gases. Circulation of air around the exterior of the tubes is also facilitated because the enhanced portion is disposed at a small angle relative to the flue portion. A plurality of tubes are disposed within the heat exchanger so that the circulation air first flows over the enhanced portions then over and around the generally cylindrical portions. This lowers the initial pressure drop in the circulation air flow and thereby facilitates the circulation of and heat transfer to the air being heated.

Abstract: The present invention is an air conditioner with tangential blowers having an arrangement for cooling the blower's driving motor. The motor is attached exteriorly from the air moving chamber and the sidewall through which the motor is attached to the blower includes an axially located aperture. Blade extensions of the blower near the aperture induce an air flow through the aperture, and the induced air flow passes through the motor to carry away undesired heat. A seal can be formed between the motor and sidewall so that the induced air flow must pass through the motor.

Abstract: The present invention is an air conditioning unit with indoor and outdoor heat exchanger coils and a pair of dual tangential flow blowers. Air flow is induced through the coils at a uniform rate and exhausted through an outlet. A single scroll dividing wall divides the housing of the air conditioner into indoor and outdoor compartments. The air-conditioning unit has a relatively small depth because the blowers are positioned in vertical alignment. The air intake arrangement on the indoor side is an intended, recessed portion of the cabinet. A removable louvered cover is positioned in an aperture located in the indented, recessed portion for allowing access to the filter.