Abstract: A temperature control is disclosed for a variable volume air conditioning system of the type wherein electric motor-operated air valve means are provided for varying the volume and relatively warm or relatively cool conditioned air supplied to a conditioned zone. The control includes zone thermostat means for producing an electrical error signal having a magnitude which varies in a predetermined relationship with respect to a deviation in zone temperature, and changeover circuit means for varying said predetermined relationship in order to accommodate changeover between heating and cooling, as sensed by duct temperature sensing means. The control further includes flow limit circuit means for imposing limits upon the maximum and minimum desired flow of conditioned air through the air valve means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigeration system of the type having an air cooled condenser which includes the further capability of producing a heated liquid in a liquid cooled or, "heat recovery" condenser. The system includes compressor means for compressing a vaporized refrigerant, air cooled condenser means having fan means for forcing air in heat exchange relationship therewith, liquid cooled condenser means for producing a heated liquid, and evaporator means for expanding and vaporizing condensed refrigerant in heat exchange relationship with a refrigeration load. Control means are provided for the system and include first means for sensing the demand for heated liquid from the liquid cooled condenser, and second means responsive to the first means for reducing the capacity of the fan means in response to increased demand for heated liquid.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for use in an air distribution system which includes a plenum chamber (2a, b) having an inlet opening (4) and an outlet (5). Conduit means are provided for admitting air to the plenum chamber through the inlet opening and include a generally cylindrical sleeve (6) having at least a portion thereof disposed within the plenum chamber, which portion includes aperture means (7) passing radially therethrough. A generally cylindrical valve member (9) is disposed within the sleeve and includes an axially extending portion for selectively blocking off the aforesaid aperture means. The valve member (9) is supported for axial movement between a first, closed, and a second, open position and may also be positioned at any point therebetween. Due to a slight clearance between the valve member (9) and the inner periphery of sleeve (6), a small amount of air flow is permitted to pass therebetween, whereby an axial force is imposed upon the valve member.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower for air conditioning applications is shown having an adjustable inlet guide vane control for a blower wheel having forwardly curved blades. The pivot axis of each inlet guide vane is substantially offset or displaced from the plane of the inlet guide vane.

Abstract: A water-tube boiler (1) of the "D" type is disclosed which includes a water-cooled rear wall comprising a plurality of vertically disposed riser tubes (14a, b) located at the rear end of the furnace chamber (5). Novel sealing means are disclosed for sealing the aforesaid rear wall to its adjacent vertically extending walls of the furnace chamber (5) and convection section (7). A further aspect of the invention lies in the particular feeder conduit means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) provided for supplying water to the riser tubes of the water-cooled rear wall and also in the particular return conduit means (15a, b; 16a, b) provided for connecting the riser tubes (14a, b) to the steam drum (3). In yet another aspect of the invention, novel construction is provided associated with the convection section for discharging flue gases from the boiler.

Abstract: A variable capacity burner assembly for the combustion of a fuel-air mixture is disclosed which includes a combustion air supply housing having spaced front and rear walls and including an opening in said front wall for the discharge of combustion air into a combustion zone. Disposed within the housing are a plurality of plate-like air directing vanes arranged in a circular array such that combustion air passing therethrough has a rotary, swirling motion imparted thereto prior to its discharge into the combustion zone. Flow control means for varying the volume of combustion air passing through said vanes are provided which include a generally planar baffle member having a circular array of slots therein corresponding to the array of air directing vanes, which vanes are in registry with said slots.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the transfer of heat from an ambient heat sink of variable temperature to a conditioned space, said system being operable in a first mode when the temperature of the heat sink is at a relatively high level, and in a second mode when its temperature is at a relatively low level. The system includes a first refrigerant circuit which is operable in said first mode as a heat pump of the vapor compression type to absorb heat from the ambient heat sink and transfer same to the conditioned space. A second refrigerant circuit is provided which is operable in the second mode, when the temperature of the ambient heat sink is at a relatively low level, to absorb heat from the ambient heat sink and transfer same to the first refrigerant circuit, which then transfers the heat to the conditioned space. Thus, in second mode operation, the first and second refrigerant circuits operate in a "cascade" relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for conditioning the air within an indoor space and include first heat transfer means for selectively heating air passing to the space and a heat pump selectively operable in a heating mode, also for heating air passing to the indoor space. Control means are provided for effecting operation of the first heat transfer means and the heat pump which include means for sensing the demand for heat within the indoor space and for distinguishing between a relatively low demand and a relatively high demand. Operation of the heat pump is effected in response to a relatively low demand for heat until such demand is satisfied. In the event that a relatively high demand for heat is sensed, operation of the heat pump is terminated and the first heat transfer means is operated until such time as both the relatively high and low demands for heat are satisfied.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for sensing the velocity of a fluid stream, as may be flowing in a duct, pipe, or the like, which fluid stream exhibits variations in its temperature under different operating conditions. The apparatus includes a first probe which is exposed to the fluid stream and includes first temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the fluid stream. A second probe is provided which is disposed within the fluid stream and includes at least a portion constructed of a thermally conductive material. Heater means are disposed in thermally conductive relationship with said thermally conductive portion, and second temperature indicative of the temperature of said heater means. Third temperature sensing means are provided for sensing the temperature of the thermally conductive portion of the second probe at a point removed from the heater means, which temperature is a function of the heater means temperature, the fluid temperature, and the velocity of the fluid flowing thereover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigeration system of the type having an air cooled condenser which includes the further capability of producing a heated liquid in a liquid cooled or, "heat recovery" condenser. The system includes compressor means for compressing a vaporized refrigerant, air cooled condenser means having fan means for forcing air in heat exchange relationship therewith, liquid cooled condenser means for producing a heated liquid, and evaporator means for expanding and vaporizing condensed refrigerant in heat exchange relationship with a refrigeration load. Control means are provided for the system and include first means for sensing the demand for heated liquid from the liquid cooled condenser, and second means responsive to the first means for reducing the capacity of the fan means in response to increased demand for heated liquid.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an electronically controlled apparatus for accurately charging and/or venting refrigerant for an air conditioning system having an air cooled condenser and capillary tube control. The system includes means for stabilizing the sensed pressure values, means for rapidly charging a refrigeration system having a gross undercharge, means for automatically terminating the operation of the charge adjuster and means utilizing condenser heat to increase the speed at which refrigerant may be added to the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: An annular valve stop insert for a compressor body is shown which has the function of establishing the positional relationship of the valve plate, valve and compressor body.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed having utility in building air distribution systems, particularly those of the variable air volume type. The assembly includes a plenum chamber having a generally cylindrical sleeve disposed therein, connected to a supply of conditioned air at one end thereof, the other end being blocked by a closure member. A generally cylindrical, balanced valve member cooperates with radially extending apertures in the sleeve to control flow into the plenum chamber. The valve member is mounted for axial movement on tubular means having a bore which extend axially into the sleeve from the closure member.In order to apply an actuating force to the valve member, connecting means extend therefrom to a position upstream from the end of the tubular means and terminate in a force receiving portion. Means are provided to apply an axial force to said portion by way of the bore in the tubular means and may comprise:1.

Abstract: An air cooled centrifugal refrigeration machine is shown having an automatic shut-off valve in the liquid line to prevent natural circulation of refrigerant at low outdoor ambient temperatures that otherwise would cause freezing of the water in the evaporator.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a combination temperature and failure indicating probe for use in a bearing. In the preferred embodiment, a negative coefficient thermistor is disposed within a tubular, electrically conductive, enclosure. The enclosure is surrounded by an electrically insulating sleeve for mounting within a bearing. Electrical conductors connected to the thermistor and to the enclosure itself lead to a resistance sensor which detects an abnormal resistance due to either:1. an excess temperature at the bearing; or2. contact by a metallic portion of the bearing with the enclosure due to bearing wear or failure.

Abstract: An incineration system and method are disclosed wherein a waste gas is transferred from tank means to an incinerator for disposal therein. Products of combustion discharged from the incinerator may be used (1) to heat a liquid medium for use in washing down the tank means; and (2) as an inert purge gas for application to said tank means. A control system is disclosed for the admission of fuel, combustion air, incineration air, and waste gas to said incinerator whereby a substantially constant operating temperature may be maintained therein despite variations in the quantity and heating value of waste gas admitted thereto, thus resulting in products of combustion of substantially constant quality suitable for use as a purge gas.

Abstract: A valve plate for use in a reciprocating gas compressor is disclosed wherein lower and upper members are held in spaced apart relation so as to define a suction gas flow path therebetween. A corrugated element is located in the flow path and bonded to said members, the corrugations thereof defining suction gas flow paths of minimal resistance, thus improving the efficiency of the compressor, while providing the support necessary between said lower and upper members.

Abstract: A novel absorption type refrigeration system is disclosed which is capable of being operated from a relatively low temperature heat source. A lithium bromide absorption solution equilibrium diagram for this cycle is also included. This system uses two generators and two absorbers. Vapor generated in the low pressure generator is directly absorbed in the high pressure absorber.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator is disclosed which is provided with a plurality of gas jets which upon activation repulses the normal gas flow through the electrostatic precipitator during cleaning to create a quiescent condition to reduce further dispersion of the loosened particulate layer into the outlet stream. A control system for operating the jets and the discharge and collector plate rappers is shown.

Abstract: Three embodiments of an air distributor apparatus are shown which utilizes a balanced type air flow control valve of cylindrical configuration co-operatively associated with a cylindrical sleeve having circumferentially spaced openings closed by the valve. A diaphragm powered valve actuator is disposed within the sleeve which is installed at the air inlet of an air distributor plenum. Several control schemes are disclosed.