Abstract: A cooler cabinet having a refrigeration system, and particularly devised to maintain articles to-be-cooled, such as milk cartons and the like, and permit the continuous entry into the cabinet enclosure for the removal of the articles is disclosed as having a main chamber for the articles, an upper, separated chamber for enclosing the evaporator for the refrigeration system and a lower, separated chamber for enclosing condenser and compressor. Air distribution fans are positioned in the upper chamber and are arranged to produce circulatory air movement across the evaporator to be cooled thereby in the upper chamber, then downwardly along the front wall of the main chamber then across the floor of the main chamber, then upwardly along the back wall of the chamber in an air return path and back to the vicinity of the evaporator for continued recirculation. Wire grates are positioned on the floor and the front wall along which air is moved downwardly.

Abstract: Plastic primary pan assembly for use in air conditioning systems which includes a base primary pan containing a pair of blind plates having a pair of semi-cylinders, respectively, to be removed one of them from the base primary pan, a pair of rubber packings, and an assembly plate having a pair of semi-cylinders to be inserted into the base primary pan, after taking out one of the pair of blind plates from the base primary pan, assembling with a base primary pan instead of the blind plate so as to pass a pair of built drain pipe therethrough, whereby the plastic primary pan can easily assemble the base primary pan with the assembly plate, the pair of rubber packings, and the pair of drain pipes.

Abstract: A locking apparatus suitable for securing a bicycle and which can be mounted on a bicycle frame. The apparatus includes a housing containing a pair of axially aligned independently rotatable cable storage reels. Retractable cables are fixed at one end to each reel and exit the housing through apertures in the external wall. Each cable can be separately dispensed through its respective aperture and can be of sufficently length to secure the bicycle to a stationary object or to be threaded through the frame, the spokes of the wheel, and around a post or other permanently affixed object, with the two free ends of the cable being fastenable to each other by a combination lock, padlock, or other locking means.

Abstract: A carbonator refrigeration system for use in a conventional refrigerator for dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid such as water or a beverage from the front door of the refrigerator. The system includes a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a carbonator and a valve member wherein the valve member is responsive to conditions detected within the refrigerator for selectively directing a source of cooling fluid to or away from a heat exchange device provided in connection with the carbonator. The carbonator refrigeration system enables cooling of the carbonator for home dispensing use in a time-share manner with the remaining mechanical refrigeration components.

Abstract: A plastic latch for latching a first surface to a second, substantially coplanar, surface is disclosed having a flexible plastic band with a planar attachment segment adapted for attachment to the first surface, an upper arcuate segment extending upwardly from the attachment segment, a planar first segment depending from the upper arcuate segment and substantially parallel to and longer than the attachment segment, a lower arcuate segment extending from the flex segment beneath the upper arcuate segment, and an engaging segment extending upwardly from the lower arcuate segment parallel to the flex segment and in substantial alignment with the attachment segment. A connecting segment flexibly connects the engaging segment to the attachment segment and extends towards the flex segment. A projecting nub is located on the engaging segment and is adapted to engage beneath the projecting ledge extending from the planar surface when the first surface is placed in contact with the second surface.

Abstract: A cylindrical combination lock body is associated with a flexible shackle, both ends of which are connected to a single end of the lock body so that the body and shackle are fitted within an approximately constant diameter. A cylindrical sleeve is sized to telescope over the shackle and receive the lock body. The sleeve has an annular groove on its interior face, which is positioned to mate with one or more detent balls in the cylindrical wall of the lock body. A plunger mechanism in the lock body can release the detent balls to permit insertion or removal of the body from the sleeve, and the plunger also releases the shackle when the combination is properly selected. The sleeve may be mounted in any sort of storage tube and enables the entire lock assembly to be stored in a secure and concealed manner.

Abstract: An adjustable height grille cover assembly is provided for a refrigeration apparatus including a cabinet having top mounted machine components. The cover is provided for concealing the machine components. The cover includes an adjustable height mounting panel which is mountable to the cabinet forwardly of the machine components. A frame assembly includes top and bottom frame pieces and opposite side frame pieces. The side frame pieces are selected from a plurality of select side frame pieces in accordance with the selected height of the mounting panel. Suitable fasteners are included for mounting the frame assembly to the mounting panel.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for motor vehicles equipped with tubeless tires, a collar secured to the valve stem of a selected tire, a locking device adapted to be detachably secured to said collar, a cable carrier mounted on a selected body part or other supporting structure of said vehicle and connected to said locking device whereby upon unauthorized movement or attempted theft of said vehicle the valve stem is forceably removed, said tire is deflated, and said vehicle is more difficult to move.

Abstract: An evaporator for an automotive air conditioning refrigerant circuit is disclosed. The evaporator includes a plurality of flat pipes through which refrigerant flows, and corrugated metal sheets are disposed between the flat pipes. A plurality of linking members are hermetically fixed at both opening ends of the flat pipes and are also heremetically fixed to each other to facilitate communication between adjacent flat pipes.

Abstract: A process for the operation of hybrid compression-absorption heat pumps or refrigerators with the use of fluid medium containing a mixture of differently volatile components (typically two) easily soluble in each other. During heat extraction, in a first counter current heat exchange, vapor of the more volatile component is partially dissolved in the liquid of the less volatile component. Simultaneously, an additional portion of the volatile component is condensed. Importantly, the medium is discharged from the first heat exchange in a stage of incomplete dissolution/condensation of the vapor phase. The combined medium is expanded and absorbs heat in a second counter current heat exchange phase, during which the more volatile component is both expelled from the solution and evaporated.

Abstract: A two-compartment thermal pack for applying cold to an object including a particulate mixture of a solute and time-delayed gelling agent in one compartment and a liquid solvent in another compartment.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration method and apparatus having concentrator and evaporator phases operated at substantially equal pressure and wherein the concentrator phase utilizes a mechanically driven heat pump to concentrate absorbent solution and to condense the diluent.

Abstract: This invention relates to ice-producing refrigerators which operate on an intermittent absorption cycle, and to solar heat collectors suitable for powering the intermittent absorption refrigerators. The refrigerators are useful for making ice and for storing vaccines and food in areas where electricity is unavailable, unreliable, or high in cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling system with supplemental thermal storage. The cooling system comprises a compressor, an evaporative condenser, a thermal storage unit, and an evaporator. During normal outdoor temperatures when building cooling is desired, the compressor output is connected to the evaporative condenser which in turn is connected to the evaporator coil. During periods of time when the building is not occupied, the evaporator coil is removed from the cooling circuit and the working fluid passing through coils in the thermal storage unit acts to freeze liquid surrounding the coils within the thermal storage unit tank. During unusually warm outdoor temperatures, when additional building cooling is required, the compressor output is connected to the evaporative condenser which in turn is connected to the thermal storage unit which output is in turn connected to the evaporative coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isothermal container with isothermal walls comprising a thermally conducting reservoir (10) for refrigerant product disposed in the upper part of the container; a baffle (3) of thermally insulating material, of a size slightly less than the internal section of the container and having about its periphery an annular space (8) suitable for the free passage of the gas is disposed horizontally below the reservoir (10), at a distance sufficient to delimit in the upper part of the container a region (6) suitable for natural convective heat exchange; the reservoir (10) and the baffle (3) comprising securement and support means (4, 12, 13, 14) in the container (1), characterized in that it computes at least one food compartment (c) disposed in the container, below the plate forming a baffle, of a size substantially less than the internal volume of the container, a space remaining free about the compartment (c) in the container.

Abstract: A transportable keg cooler tub comprising a circular tub-like base with a pliable flexible canvas sleeve extending upwards from the top edge of the base. The sleeve enclosing a plastic liner in intimate contact with ice cubes filling the space between the liner and the enclosed beverage keg. A portion of the plastic liner pulled through an orifice on the bottom outside perimeter of the base providing drainage for the ice contained by the plastic liner.

Abstract: Apparatus is set forth wherein a central cylindrical body including a threadedly securable cap mounted at lowermost end of the cylindrical body and an upper cap threadedly mounted to an upper end of the cylindrical body. The upper cap includes a spout conduit diametrically disposed about an upper surface of the cap with an internally threaded boss member in fluid communication with the spout conduit to receive a threaded beverage container therewithin. An upper and lower gel refrigerant chamber is mounted within the cylindrical body and within the lower cap. The lower cap further includes a spring mounted within a bore positioned within the lower cap to direct the container upwardly towards the upper cap to maintain fluid communication therewith. A threadedly removable spout cap is mounted to the spout chamber's terminal end which is oriented beyond the cylindrical wall defined by the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A conveying and storage device for thermosensitive products is disclosed wherein one or several Peltier elements are provided for temperature control of the storage chamber, tubular heat-conducting members or a one-piece heat-conductive molding being provided on the plate of the Peltier element or elements on the side of the storage chamber, and wherein the plate of the Peltier element or elements on the housing side is constituted by finned heat-exchange members. For the purpose of a maximally homogeneous heat removal and supply within the storage chamber, the tubular heat-conducting members, (3), forming in direct mutual contiguousness the inside of the storage chamber (2), are hollow molding of a readily heat-conducting material, or the one-piece heat-conductive molding (17) forming the inside of the storage chamber (2) is of a readily heat-conducting material.

Abstract: A motor vehicle security system prevents unauthorized removal of a foot pedal-steering wheel lock by means of structural reinforcement of the steering wheel to prevent destructive severing of the wheel rim which would enable removal of the lock. A cut-resistant steel cable is embedded in the steering wheel rim to enhance the resistance of the wheel to severing.

Abstract: A heat pump installation including a condenser, a motor-compressor, an evaporator, and a subcooler to subcool the refrigerant flowing from the condenser before it enters the evaporator. The motor-compressor is mostly immersed in a static liquid contained within an inner tank. Preferably, the static liquid contains a top layer of oil to prevent evaporation. The static liquid helps to ensure the cool and quiet operation of the motor-compressor. Surrounding the inner tank is an outer tank which provides a cylindrical chamber wherein circulating liquid such as water flows. Immersed within the circulating water is the condenser. The circulating water withdraws heat from the inner tank and the condenser. The subcooler includes a housing which contains and directs the flow of the circulating water before it enters the cylindrical chamber. Immersed within the circulating water of the subcooler housing is a refrigerant subcooling coil.